Installing Front Axles and Linkage

[Lynn D. Brown]

SyTyers',

I have had everything apart for a while now on my rebuild - Engine, Trans, all steering linkage, Front Diff and Axles, Steering Gear, etc. I am starting to put everything back. I put the Steering Gear back in w the Pitman Arm. I have put in the Centerlink and Tie Rods in case I have to move the car around, but I haven't torqued them down.

I understand that in order to install the Front Axles into the Front Diff. the Outer Axle/CV shafts R in the way. And the only way to get them out of the way is to take out the Centerlink, Tie rods and disconnect the Shock Absorber and compress it up. Then U can move the Outer Shafts forward and out of the way. I did this when I removed the Front Axles and then the Front Diff. because I was replacing the steering linkage pieces anyway - Inner & Outer TR's, Pitman and Idler.

So, I guess what I'm asking is - "Can we remove or install the Front Inner Axles with the Outer Axle/CV shafts in the way" ?

For this time being, I guess I won't torque down on the Tie Rod, Pitman and Idler joints now, because I may have to remove them later to install the Inner Axles into the Front Diff. I don't want to be pounding on these new joints w a Tie Rod fork later. I was going to leave the Front Diff. install until last because it may be in the way of installing the engine.

Altho' maybe if I put the Axles into the Front Diff. before I install it, maybe I won't need to remove the Tie rods and Centerlink and can leave the Outer Shafts alone ?

Oh, BTW, one little tip. Don't bolt down the Steering box until U have pulled the plastic heat Shield down. It won't pull down once U bolt the box in.

Thanx 4 any help.

 

[Sy Guy 0024]

Lynn,

I guess you still have the front diff off the truck? If so, go ahead and install the short driver's side axle. Put the front diff in place. You can then install the pass side axle and tube as one unit. I don't *believe* you can install the driver's side axle with the halfshaft in place, but you can install the pass side this way. Trust me- I've done it twice now trying to fix a slow leak from between the axle tube flange and the diff housing. That synthetic fluid seems to make it's way out no matter what. :-? HTH

Corbin

 

[Lynn D. Brown]

Sealing Front Diff.

Sealing Front Diff.

Corbin,

Thanx 4 the tip ! As far as your leak, another fellow on the list clued me into some "anaerobic" Gasket Maker that should help all these joints around the Front Diff. assembly. Some special stuff by Loctite - it used to be # 514 or 518, and I think it's mentioned in the Shop manual.

However, when I tried to find the stuff, the #'s have changed because Loctite must have been bought out. I just went to Napa and they studied it and came up with an equivalent. Can't find the Sh*t in my garage (per usual) at the moment, but I'll publish the # when I find it.

 

[Lynn D. Brown]

Anaerobic Gasket Maker

Anaerobic Gasket Maker

Corbin,

Found that sealer in my Hornets' nest garage. It is Napa/Permatex # 765-1189, and I suppose it's the same as the old Loctite stuff. I guess Permatex musta bought Loctite or something.

Now I gotta get hold of a fellow nnamed Steve @ typhoonracer1 on our List. I have a crack in the surface of the Pass. side of the case on my Front Diff., and he was going to sell me that piece from his parts bin. But I haven't been able to get him for a few weeks. If I can't get this, I have a line on a used Front diff from an old Blazer, but if I don't act soon it will be gone. May be gone already.

 

[Sy Guy 0024]

Thanks for the new part no, buddy. I asked for the anaerobic sealant at the parts store, but they weren't real sure what I was talking about. I even took them the part no (I believe it might have been the old one though). They gave me what was *supposed* to work. It obviously didn't, as I still have a slow seep from the flange. Good luck getting your diff housing back together.

Corbin

 

[Lynn D. Brown]

Front Diff.

Front Diff.

Corbin,

I think the generic parts stores won't know what U R talking about. The Napa store here has a little more knowledgable people who were willing to "dig" a little bit for me. Plus it appears to be one of their own products.