Hey everybody, I tried the search function and came up empty also tried google but that didn't help either, I'm looking for tips on removing the axels, first I have one side off which just slide out with out removing the gears or anything will the other side come out as well without opening up the diff? And if it's stuck what do you guys recommend to get it out? This is a 71 rear ford 8" axel
They both come out the same way. If it is stuck, gently use a hammer on it, or if you have a slide hammer, that should free it up. No clips or anything, just four bolts holding that plate on then slide right out. Maybe a little penetrating oil to help it along?
i used 2 small pry bars against the backing plate *carefully* across from each other to give equal pressure and it popped right out.
If the nuts are off the axle retainer install the drum backwards, but only thread the lug nuts on about 3-4 threads and pull towards you. The reason to only thread the lug nuts on a few threads your going to be using the drum as a slide hammer.
Using the drum as a slid hammer doesn't work every time. Some times you need the correct tool to remove an axle. I had a stuck axle one time and thought I was going to knock the car off the jack stand using a slide hammer. Ended up breaking the bearing in two before the axle came out. Had to cut the rest of bearing and race out with a hammer and chisel.
I hate when an easy job becomes a major ordeal like that. What caused it to seize? Just a long time without being moved?
Not being moved wasn't the problem...it was a daily driver. Plenty of gear oil reaching the bearing and no rust. It was just stuck for no reason. The other axle came out with no problem.
their are 2 reasons that can keep the axle from coming out easily. rust or bent housing. once you get the axle out you will see the rust. clean the rust off and then put it back in to see if it slides in and out. if it doesnt go in and out with minimal effort then the housing is bent. this will damage the spider and side gears in the differential and cause premature axle bearing failure. the housing can be straightened. we have a race car chassis shop with a housing fixture that can straighten the housings.
