9" Axle bearing install 101, Q?s

Thanks to all of you for your help!

I just test fix my stock brake system on my Versailles 9" rear. I went w/ the stock brakes and so far only have about $180 in my brakes, but still need hoses, oh well.

My questions are:

From what I have read from some of the links members have provided me is this axle has one main bearing pressed on the axle w/ an inner and outer seals?

To pull the axles, I just need an attachment at the lugs and a slide hammer (my part store rents both) and no c clips to pull?

I plan to run the stock 3rd member and when I can upgrade to lower gears w/ a tack loc later. I've heard that some of the 70s & 80s bronco 9"s were set up w/ lower gears and track locs? Also are they also 28 spline? Is there a factory 3rd member I can pull from a salvage yard w/ the 28 spline, lower gears, and track loc setup?

I plan to have the axle bearings pressed on by a local machine shop. I would prefer to install the seals and axles w/ the newly pressed bearings myself. What is the procedure for reinstalling the axle w/ new bearing? Can I just rent another tool to press the axle back in the housing?

More questions to come, thanks!

tx65coupe said:

If you are using the stock Versailles brakes and need hoses, you can get your old ones reworked by some place like Hydraulic House. I had trouble finding new ones and went this route. You could also get some universal braided stainless ones that would work too.

When I had my new bearings pressed on by a local shop, I just made sure that the caliper brackets were on as well as the new seals.

You shouldn't have much trouble getting the axle shafts back in the housing. I just used the bolts to walk it back in and then seat it down. Be carefull with those bolts, they are unique to the Versailles rear end.

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Yea, I'm using the stock Versailles brakes. I called a Hydraulic House that I found online who is located in FL and the said the do not work on any lines that run brake fluid? Where is the Co. you used located.

I got a deal on the axle bearing kits from Auto parts warehouse about $76.00 vs. all the local stores wanting $50/each for the bearing only. So I will need to wait till they show up.

I dont think I will have any trouble reinstalling the axles as they were super easy to pull. From my inspection my axle has one seal, then the bearing, a spacer and then a metal type gasket between the brake brackets and the housing, which is in rough shape, does this come w/ the kits or must I reuse? I will be careful w/ the T-bolts, I read they are hard to find. Thanks for all your imput!!

Steve69 said:

I flipped the drums around and put the lug nuts on and slid it back and forth
to pull the axles out. I took my axles to a machine shop to take of the old
bearing and press on the new ones. I used a PCP pipe to pound in the new axle seals.

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This axle is set up for disc and I used a slide hammer I rented from my local auto store for free to pull the axles. I do plan to have the bearings removed and pressed by a local shop, I'm just waiting for the new bearings in the mail, thanks for your feedback!