Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Rear axle assembly and installation

The rear axle got sand blasted and painted black. The reconditioned 3rd member came painted red oxide which is the color used by the factory as well. Here is a short slideshow of the assembly and installation.

Axle tube on a specially designed stand

Silicon sealer applied on both gasket surfaces

3rd member installed and bolted

Axle stand is helpful

New oil seals and precision punch tool

Oil seal punched in

Sealer on axle tube flange

Studs, gasket and more sealer

Brake shield and nuts

More sealer and outer gasket

Axle pushed in the tube

Both sides done. Ready to go under the car.

Before pushing the axle under the nuts were tightened in two phases to the torque specs. The pass side leaf spring was installed to body on both ends. The driver side was left loose in the rear shackle to leave space for the install. There is enough clearance for the brake shield to go between the spring and frame rail. Once passed through, the stand was removed while supporting the driver end of the axle with a jack stand. Then the driver side leaf spring was attached and the axle lowered on top of it and secured with new U-bolts. This way I managed to install the axle safely and all on my own quite easily.

lb ft Nm
Carrier to housing 25-40 34-54
Axle shaft bearing retainer 20-40 27-54










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