front diff question

[#2875]

trying to reinstall the front diff and i am having trouble getting off the axle tube. i found an old post that said to remove the 5 (axle tube) bolts and tap the outer flange with a hammer which is also what the s-10 svc manual reads. i have hit this thing pretty hard and it won't budge. am i doing something wrong? i have never messed with a diff rear or front so any help would be appreciated.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: front diff question

do you have the axel shaft out of the tube yet? if not, pull out the axel, then try tapping on the tube/flange again.

theres really nothing holding it on other than those 5 bolts and a little RTV silicone.

 

[#2875]

Re: front diff question

the flange is loose. i can spin it and there's about 1/4" gap between flange and housing. but it hits with a dull thud after that 1/4". i cannot get the axle out.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: front diff question

ok?? so then the axel tube is off then.....

sounds to me like you dont have the axel out of the tube yet which should have been done already. You have to pull the axel out of the tube, its held into the carrier with a "C" clip, similar to CV Joints on a FWD car. It too might need a little coaxing with a hammer, but it should pop right out of the tube.

 

[#2875]

Re: front diff question

i think that's exactly what i am doing. how much coaxing is a little? i have gone from a dead blow to a mini sledge and it won't budge.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: front diff question

I think the key with getting the axel out is making sure you hit it square.

the axel should slide right out once the clip comes loose. You may want to try rotating the axel and hitting it in multiple spots, maybe like 10 degrees at a time.

 

[#2875]

Re: front diff question

will keep trying.

 

[jwaller]

Re: front diff question

remove the axel. take it out with a pry bar or screwdriver, it has only a internal c clip holding it in. then it wont take but a small hammer blow to break the tube loose from the housing. the only thing holding it once the axel is removed is the RTV sealant.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: front diff question

lol

 

[#2875]

Re: front diff question

well the job is done, diff back under truck, etc.. to anyone having the same problem it took a hell of a whack to get the axle out. i think it's different for everyone. getting it to go back in took a flick of the wrist.