Author Topic: Pulling an axle?  (Read 2637 times)

Offline Doppleganger

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Pulling an axle?
« on: July 14, 2021, 07:48:22 PM »
Here is my front axle I waited 9+ months to get.



Overall its ok, but not impressed with a couple areas. Clown didn't realize the dust shields needed to go on first, so I get to pull the spindles. Meh. Another thing was he pressed in 2 types of upper ball joints - one side is a Moog (as usual, Moog wasn't smart enough to put the correct part in the correctly labeled box 2x in a row), so he put another brand in the other side. He didn't realize the second brand had a 90 degree zirc fitting, so it was pressed in almost too far ccw to get a zirc in the hole. Guy who was supposed to do this axle was retired from Dana (40yrs) and does them in his sleep....but of course he had to have some surgery so this slug did them instead. Not impressed for the time and money involved, but for the area we are sentenced to live in, its as good as it gets.

Anyways.....I want to remove the 2 upper ball joints and replace them both with 90 degree zircs properly positioned so I can grease them with normal access. This issue will never be easier to correct than now.

Since my spindles are coming off, I believe I have to pull the axle to get the ball joint out. QUESTION: will that damage the new seal that was just put in?

Also....this is a corporate 10 bolt - does the diff cover have to come off to pull the axles? IIRC it doesn't, but not 100% sure.

Thanks.
« Last Edit: August 15, 2021, 08:18:07 PM by Captkaos »

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Pulling an axle?
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2021, 06:47:49 PM »
Your new ball joints should come with boots so...

You are correct about not having to open the diff to pull the axles. Both inner and outer axle come out after the spindle is removed.

1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Ironrider71220

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Re: Pulling an axle?
« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2021, 05:53:15 AM »
No it will not damage the seal as long as you use grease on axle splines for the re-install and a little common sense and care. It'll slide right in.

Offline Doppleganger

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Re: Pulling an axle?
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2021, 07:40:34 PM »
Should the axles pull out without taking the knuckle off? The u-joints will not clear the opening....and I know I have seen guys pull broken axles on site when they needed to. Lower ball joint needs an 1-1/8 box wrench to get it loose - of course all I have a 1 and 1-1/4. Got a socket I could use if the axle would pull out.




Just wondering WTH they did to get these cobbled now. I am an enth degree from parting this money pit out and walking away.
« Last Edit: August 15, 2021, 08:19:22 PM by Captkaos »

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Pulling an axle?
« Reply #4 on: July 26, 2021, 07:00:45 PM »
IDK :o

 I pulled both of mine straight out to change the U-joints!
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline ehjorten

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Re: Pulling an axle?
« Reply #5 on: July 27, 2021, 09:07:03 AM »
When I did the U-Joints on my Dana44 front on my '77 the axles just pulled straight out through the knuckles.
-Erik-
1991 V3500 - Gen V TBI 454, 4L80E, NP205, 14 bolt FF, D60, 8" Lift on 35s
1977 K20 Silverado - 350, THM350, NP203, 14 bolt FF, D44, Stock Lift on 31s
1969 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe - EFI350, THM350
1968 Chevrolet Step-side Pickup - 300HP L6

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Pulling an axle?
« Reply #6 on: July 27, 2021, 11:47:53 PM »
Sorry to say this, but looks like your guy cobbled it.

That's not to say he used inferior parts, looks like he used more heavy duty parts from a different model.

As one of my good clients said: "John, this world is full of imposters".
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction