Question about installation of Axles

Stangfreak95 · May 31, 2005

Ok guys try to visualize this. I guess this thread is intended for people that know what the inside our rear-end looks like. First of all I want to remove the axles to swap my new ones in. We rebuild the rear-end last summer so I know the steps and everything except one thing that bugs me...

You know that " Z " shaped spring in the carrier ? The thing that holds the spider gears together and that is a PITA to remove and install ? Is it necessary to REMOVE it to remove the C-Clips ?

I remember that we did remove it last summer and that it was pretty tight in there. But one friend of mine sweared that he just did this last weekend without removing the spring and using long nose pliers to get the c-clips without any difficulty.

Is it possible or is he full of chit ? Cause I want to do everything right now but that spring issue is stopping me from starting the swap. (yes we did have a LOT of trouble putting it back in... )

Thanks
Mario

Jack's95gt · May 31, 2005

To change the axles, you just remove the locking screw and pull the differential pinion shaft. Remove your ABS sensors from your wheel dust guards if equiped with ABS and then push your axles in a 1/2" and remove the C clip. Pull out you axle. Tighten that locking screw by up to 25 lb ft. after put back together.

The large spring your speaking of is part of the traction loc assemble. It puts pressure on the clutches in that unit.

rockin_rick · May 31, 2005

I've heard of (read: never done myself) people using a small, telescoping magnet to get those c clips out easily.

Are your trac-loc clutch packs in good condition? If not, now may be a good time to swap them.... But of course, that means removing and installing that damn spring.

Later,
Rick

Stangfreak95 · May 31, 2005

UPDATE: NEED help FAST

I wasnt clear from the start. Actually I'm changing carrier as well to 31spline. I was able to remove the axles without taking the "spring" off. But now I have a problem.

I took the 4 bolts holding the carrier in place but the darn thing is still as solid as a rock and I cant take it off. I've never really played in a rear end before and now I dont really know whats happening. It seems that there's a bearing on each side of the carrier, JAMMED big time. I'm hitting it buy not much is happening.

ANy tips anybody ?

bimmertech · May 31, 2005

Stangfreak95 said:
I wasnt clear from the start. Actually I'm changing carrier as well to 31spline. I was able to remove the axles without taking the "spring" off. But now I have a problem.

I took the 4 bolts holding the carrier in place but the darn thing is still as solid as a rock and I cant take it off. I've never really played in a rear end before and now I dont really know whats happening. It seems that there's a bearing on each side of the carrier, JAMMED big time. I'm hitting it buy not much is happening.

ANy tips anybody ?

gonna need a big pry bar, but don't mix up your shims, they are in there a specific way and mixing those up can cause serious rear end damage. also those caps you pulled off are side and up/down specific, so don't get those mixed up. also when changing to a different chunk it is always a good idea to measure your bearing preload as the new chunk might not be the exact same size.

GRGT1994 · May 31, 2005

I just swapped my gears and rebuilt my trac loc. In answer to your first question, no you dont need to take the s spring out to pull the axels out (as said above). I didn't remove my s spring till after the carrier was out of the car.

On the second issue, all I had to do was (gently) rotate the carrier after removing the carrier bearing retaining brackets. Then the carrier rode up on the pinion and popped out. Careful though, because that sucker is heavy and can hurt your hands, head or other body part if it falls. I have read of others using a pry bar to gently rotate the carrier, or turning the pinion/drive shaft. Either way, be sure you have a safe way to grab the carrier as it comes out. But start with just rotating the carrier by grabbing the ring gear.

BTW, wear protective gloves (of course).

Good luck.

Stangfreak95 · May 31, 2005

Finally took it out!

I had to hit hit HARD with a bar and pry the chit out of it. Now I'm swaping the ring to my 31spline and I think it will be easier putting it back in.

GRGT1994 · Jun 1, 2005

Ya, but it might be a pain juggling the shims and carrier when you go to final install (it was for me on my gear swap).

Stangfreak95 · Jun 1, 2005

GRGT1994 said:
Ya, but it might be a pain juggling the shims and carrier when you go to final install (it was for me on my gear swap).

Yeah you're right, this is where I'm at now

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