JT4x4

The Mud Pit => Wrenching => Topic started by: bonecollector on September 09, 2015, 03:37:19 PM

Title: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: bonecollector on September 09, 2015, 03:37:19 PM
Background: 99XJ, front axle is Dana 30 with aussie locker, 35x12.50 KM2s. I broke the drivers side front axle (sheared off ears at u-joint). Lockers installed in April of this year with new inner seals installed. I did drive it home afterwards (had to 3-wheel lightly to get to the street) and drove about 15 miles on highway).

I ordered new chromolly axles with upgraded u-joints http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-159906-nitro-dana-30-chromoly-axle-shaft-kit.html (http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-159906-nitro-dana-30-chromoly-axle-shaft-kit.html)

My original plan was to install the new axles and hope my inner seals are ok. Then I was thinking about how I would eventually like to regear to 4.56 or 4.88s.

Would it be better to take the axles to a shop and regear at the same time (replacing the inner seals if needed)? I don't want to spend a fortune. Or I could install the axles myself, then if I see it leaking it must be the inner seals then evaluate if I want to regear while I am replacing seals.

Just wanted to get some insight from those who have done this before.
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: toreadorranger on September 09, 2015, 05:25:56 PM
Replacing inner seals is pretty straight forward.  Just have to pull the carrier,  Which might seem scary but there is no setup of gears or anything with just pulling the carrier, just plop out the carrier and then replace the seals and plop the carrier back in. 
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: Mr Rock on September 10, 2015, 01:03:14 AM
Replacing inner seals is pretty straight forward.  Just have to pull the carrier,  Which might seem scary but there is no setup of gears or anything with just pulling the carrier, just plop out the carrier and then replace the seals and plop the carrier back in. 

What he said!

put the new shafts in first the seals may still be good...
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: bonecollector on September 10, 2015, 02:14:37 AM
You guys talked me into it! Going for the axle sway and inner seal *inspection* HAHA. Ordered some new seals just in case. Wish me luck! Axles will arrive tomorrow.
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: Big Chuck on September 10, 2015, 04:44:48 PM
Brent, This is a straight forward easy swap, you shouldn't have any problems. If I was going to be around this weekend I could lend a hand, but alas, I will be in Philly!
Chuck
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: Mr Rock on September 10, 2015, 08:29:01 PM
You guys talked me into it! Going for the axle sway and inner seal *inspection* HAHA. Ordered some new seals just in case. Wish me luck! Axles will arrive tomorrow.

Just be careful inserting the new shafts, you have to "feel" the shaft into the seal. don't just slide it in, once you're past the seal a little turn to align the splines and it will finish sliding in, you should be fine.
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: bonecollector on September 13, 2015, 02:53:50 PM
Old axles are out! I decided to do ball joints and unit bearing while everything was apart. Does any one have a ball joint press I could borrow?

I missed the event yesterday (9/12). Many thanks to Magnun Opus for offering me a ride-a-long. I hope to get my new wheels/tires and have everything buttoned up for the 27th.

Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: 98xj on September 14, 2015, 04:39:03 AM
Last resort you can rent one from the auto part store, and the best is that you get all the money back when you return it!
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: bonecollector on September 14, 2015, 11:48:12 AM
Last resort you can rent one from the auto part store, and the best is that you get all the money back when you return it!

@98XJ awesome idea! Went to advanced auto yesterday and used their loaner tool. New axle u-joints are installed!
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: toreadorranger on September 14, 2015, 01:09:16 PM
Good to hear you got them installed, I didn't get your IM till this morning. 
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: 98xj on September 18, 2015, 04:54:58 AM
I can be helpful on occasion... Lol
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: bonecollector on September 19, 2015, 11:14:29 PM
New axles are in.... also did ball joints, wheel bearings, inner and outer seals. New waiting for the tires to show up...
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: 98xj on September 20, 2015, 02:23:24 AM
Pics or it didn't happen  ;D
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: bonecollector on September 20, 2015, 08:38:43 PM
Photos attached
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: bonecollector on September 20, 2015, 08:39:22 PM
Photos attached
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: 98xj on September 21, 2015, 04:33:49 AM
Looking good! How's the road noise
Title: Re: Advice requested: axles and regearing
Post by: bonecollector on September 21, 2015, 12:30:15 PM
Still on jack stands :(. I ordered 35" KM2s from 4wd.com and they have an estimated ship date of 9/30....