D60 ujt ears too big for steering knuckle?

[Ned Kelly]

I got some OEM Spicer D60 inner and outer shafts. I found the Ujt ears are so big on these that they do not fit through the steering knuckle. I can either file down the ears alittle, or, intall the axle shafts BEFORE I install the steering knuckles. Anyone else find this with their Spicer shafts?

 

[nvrenuf]

They should fit with the knuckles on, maybe try turning them a little to so if that helps. I just put my 60 together a couple of months ago with no issues.

 

[mechted]

mine were like that, all factory original parts ('79 with necked shafts)
just BARELY touching though, i think i just smacked it with a rubber mallet and they popped in. Just make sure the splines of the shaft are lined up to engage the spider gears, not say, dislodge an oil seal

 

[Ned Kelly]

Alittle too big to pop in with a nudge from the soft sledge - tried that - a good suggestion though. Yes, must be careful not to dislodge an oil seal or mushroom a spline.
Didn't matter how I turned or squirmed them, they refused to squeeze through that knuckle hole. I think I'll just file those ears down just ever slightly so. Too much work to always remove the knuckles when servicing the front.
Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[nvrenuf]

Now that I think about it, I have had trouble when the knuckle isn't perfectly straight.

 

[Ned Kelly]

I spent alot of time lining things up, over and over, trying different little angles, anything and everthing to get them in - but no luck. These shafts have quite abit more ear material on them than my old shafts. I was actually surprised how much thicker the ears were.

 

[Leper]

IMO, it is more common to have to shave the outers, than not. It won't take much, but you need to do it. The last 3 trucks that I worked on that went to 35 spline outers, all had to be shaved just a little. I am not talking caliper grinding here, just a decent rub down.

Think about it this way......If they are next to impossible to get in, how hard will it be to remove them?