Front Axle Shaft Install

[89WhiteBlaze]

Any tips on re-installing axle shafts?
Is removing the cover necessary?
How to install them without dragging them on the inside of the tube?
Replaced the ujoints and need to get the shafts back in. Any input will be appreciated! Need to get it rolling again by this Friday

It's an 89 blazer.

 

[rampage]

Cut a piece of PVC in half (I think it's 2 inch) and lay it inside the tube. You can then leave it inside the tube in case you need to use it for a trail fix. Easy to wipe clean.

 

[89WhiteBlaze]

That's a great idea! Probably never would have though of it.

 

[sweetk30]

long threaded rod / 2 nuts to fit / 1 fender washer just under size of inside of tube .

cut washer almost in half . install 1 nut to 1" in . add washer . 2nd nut tight to hold washer on .

use to clean out the tubes . turn so cut portion is down . slide in tube to seal . turn 180* and drag JUNK out of tube. repeat till done .

when I install shafts I just hold them so splines up high till cant anymore then slow till seal and then turn and slide right up in to diff.

 

[89WhiteBlaze]

long threaded rod / 2 nuts to fit / 1 fender washer just under size of inside of tube .

cut washer almost in half . install 1 nut to 1" in . add washer . 2nd nut tight to hold washer on .

use to clean out the tubes . turn so cut portion is down . slide in tube to seal . turn 180* and drag JUNK out of tube. repeat till done .

when I install shafts I just hold them so splines up high till cant anymore then slow till seal and then turn and slide right up in to diff.

Already have a rod, so just need to pick up some nuts and washers then!
Out of curiosity, why do you have to cut the washer in half? Couldn't you just use it as is?

 

[rampage]

Already have a rod, so just need to pick up some nuts and washers then!
Out of curiosity, why do you have to cut the washer in half? Couldn't you just use it as is?

Probably to give it room to raise up over the crud so you push the crud in more.

 

[rampage]

Already have a rod, so just need to pick up some nuts and washers then!
Out of curiosity, why do you have to cut the washer in half? Couldn't you just use it as is?

Probably to give it room to raise up over the crud so you push the crud in more.

 

[sweetk30]

Probably to give it room to raise up over the crud so you DON'T push the crud in more.

yes so the tool goes in with out pushing the crap further in and trashing a seal or getting junk inside the diff housing .

 

[rampage]

yes so the tool goes in with out pushing the crap further in and trashing a seal or getting junk inside the diff housing .

Yes, couldn't edit (and still can't) due to earlier site problems.

 

[Hoss7979]

Make sure you clock your u-joints when you install them little less vibration and better turning. They won't be fighting each other....

 

[diesel4me]

Make sure you clock your u-joints when you install them little less vibration and better turning. They won't be fighting each other....

Huh ?..

I've never bothered to "phase" the axle joints because with an open diff,the first time one tire spins on mud,etc,the spider gears will let one axle shaft end up in a different spot,and the u-joints will no longer be phased...

On a front or rear driveshaft with splined slip yokes yes,you'd want to ensure the u-joints are aligned or phased properly,but on an open front diff I dont see how its possible for them to stay in phase...

 

[89WhiteBlaze]

Huh ?..

I've never bothered to "phase" the axle joints because with an open diff,the first time one tire spins on mud,etc,the spider gears will let one axle shaft end up in a different spot,and the u-joints will no longer be phased...

On a front or rear driveshaft with splined slip yokes yes,you'd want to ensure the u-joints are aligned or phased properly,but on an open front diff I dont see how its possible for them to stay in phase...

I was wondering about having to do that at first, but then I came to the same conclusion that you did. Shouldn't really matter cause they won't stay insinc anyways.

 

[Phil513]

Huh ?..

I've never bothered to "phase" the axle joints because with an open diff,the first time one tire spins on mud,etc,the spider gears will let one axle shaft end up in a different spot,and the u-joints will no longer be phased...

On a front or rear driveshaft with splined slip yokes yes,you'd want to ensure the u-joints are aligned or phased properly,but on an open front diff I dont see how its possible for them to stay in phase...

Maybe if you run a spool. lol.

 

[Hoss7979]

Huh ?..

I've never bothered to "phase" the axle joints because with an open diff,the first time one tire spins on mud,etc,the spider gears will let one axle shaft end up in a different spot,and the u-joints will no longer be phased...

On a front or rear driveshaft with splined slip yokes yes,you'd want to ensure the u-joints are aligned or phased properly,but on an open front diff I dont see how its possible for them to stay in phase...

Just throwing it out there if he did put a traction device in it........

 

[sweetk30]

Just throwing it out there if he did put a traction device in it........

like said only device it would help on is a spool .

now the phasing is 100% correct on drive shafts . from tranny or tcase to axles.