Storing axles

[mrk5]

Well I found a D44 with 4.56 gears to match the 4.56 I had installed in the 12bolt.

Actually got a D44/14bolt combo, both with 4.56 gears $250.

I want to store the 14bolt to keep as a backup if something happens to the 12bolt. What would be the best method?

My thought was to stow it horizontally up off the ground, and completely fill the diff with gear lube. Probably change the lube yearly, unless I break the 12bolt in less than a year.

My two primary questions:
Should I fill it completely with lube?
Should I store the pinion up, down, or the position it would be in the truck?

Any thoughts?

TIA

 

[mikey_d05]

I don't have any experience doing this but I would say on a set of jackstands, pinion down, filled with gear oil. That way all the bearings are kept submerged.

 

[southernspeed]

I think filling it with lube is a good move but store it in a possition where if it gets condensation in it, it'll sit harmlessly at the bottom of the case away from gears/bearings.
I think you'll need to change the seal if you store it for years as most seals seem to 'stick' to their bearing surface and then tear tiny bits of lip off when you move it.
14 blt eh? mmmm...nice! Me want one too!!!

 

[mrk5]

14 blt eh? mmmm...nice! Me want one too!!!

Sorry I don't know if you could talk me into shipping you one of those.

 

[mikey_d05]

14 blt eh? mmmm...nice! Me want one too!!!

Shoulda thrown one into the back of your Dodge when you were in NJ

 

[pauly383]

Fill it with Redline , turn it real good , drain it , and store the axle covered .

I say this because the other 12 bolt I have has been sitting with the cover off for almost a year in my garage , and theres still Redline clinging to the surfaces . Chits that good

 

[southernspeed]

Shoulda thrown one into the back of your Dodge when you were in NJ

It was full!!!! I bought so much stuff!!

 

[southernspeed]

Sorry I don't know if you could talk me into shipping you one of those.

Oh go on. Bit of brown paper and string! No problem!

 

[mrk5]

Fill it with Redline , turn it real good

I was going to rig something up on the yoke, air ratchet or hammer wrench, to give a good spin.

You've convinced me to run Redline in the 12bolt, but I don't know if I could use for something like axle storage.$$$$ I may just use a BG additive.

 

[jms]

... if something happens to the 12bolt. ...

Hmm... Didn't 'something' just happen to the 12-bolt?

BTW, CD is in the mail. If you happen to meet Toby, I need his address if he wants a CD as well.

 

[rick88blaze]

I tell you what, meet me on the western end of Nebraska, and I'll store it under my K5 for you. How's that sound?

Rick