Driving without front differential?

[techieman33]

tech,
you had the constant AWD as well?

yes I did, my transfer case is still in the truck and not giving me any problems, just be sure to set the e-brake since they can roll without the front attached.

 

[daddychris]

well, i have everything off my truck. Is there a trick to taking apart the cv joint on the axle shafts? I ned to re-use the outer part of my shafts and am having a bit of trouble getting the cv joint separated.

 

[freak]

I can't remember it's been too long but I do remember being confused about it the first time I took one apart. Stare at it long enough and you'll get it.

 

[Turdle]

well, i have everything off my truck. Is there a trick to taking apart the cv joint on the axle shafts? I ned to re-use the outer part of my shafts and am having a bit of trouble getting the cv joint separated.

this may help

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243652

 

[freak]

That's nice but it only explains the end that fits into the diff case. It's just held together by the boot. It's the wheel bearing end that he is confused about.

 

[Turdle]

That's nice but it only explains the end that fits into the diff case. It's just held together by the boot. It's the wheel bearing end that he is confused about.

It is not just held by the boot. The above thread shows how the clips are removed--

 

[freak]

The bearings are held on by clips but the whole assembly is held together by the boot. Remove (or cut) the boot and it will come right apart.

 

[daddychris]

i'm stuck

I can not figure out how to get the cv joint apart.
It is the wheel bearing end. It appears that the only way is to somehow remove one of the ball bearings from its cage??
Hope somebodys done this and can help, I really dont want to destroy the shafts if i dont have to.


chris

 

[freak]

I'm thinking that you just jerk the shaft out of it and then you take a brass rod and drive the cage and star sideways to remove the ball bearings. Then the cage and star will come out.

 

[freak]

There is a compression clip that you cannot see that is holding the shaft into the star. It is similar to the way that the inboard joint is held into the diff carrier and shaft.

 

[daddychris]

it appears that the splines that go through the wheel bearing are one piece with the 'cup' that covers the balls and cage. This cup can not come out because it wont clear the balls. I dont see how they would put this together with the balls already in the cage. I'm stumped, but i need to get this back on the road soon...

 

[freak]

Yes the cup and the spline are one piece. You need to pull the shaft out of the star that is in the cup. Then the star is free to rotate and you can then remove it and the cage and the balls.

 

[freak]

Pick up the whole half shaft and hold it with the outer cv joint pointing towards the floor. (with the outer cv joint boot removed) Smack the cup with the spline with a soft mallet to drive it downward and off the shaft. Watch your feet.

 

[freak]

Here is a picture. Check the 7th image down the page. It shows the outer cv joint once it has been driven off the shaft.

http://flashoffroad.com/Maintenance/halfshaft/halfshaft.htm

 

[daddychris]

pics are great, thanks.
So i should be able to just force the assembly over the "springy piece of metal that expands in a groove" what would kinda be the outer circlip?
I got to tell you I've been beating on this thing pretty good and nada...
I'll keep trying...

thanks

 

[daddychris]

arghhhh....wtf?? !**%! soft mallet, framing hammer, mini sledge
nothing, nada, not coming off

 

[freak]

Sorry I'm having a hard time remembering!!! Maybe you have to first remove that outer c clip, push the shaft in, then the inner c clip falls off inside?

 

[freak]

Hopefully someone who has done this more recently can chime in...

 

[freak]

The more I think about it the more I think is just has to be driven off.

 

[daddychris]

it seems as though that would make sense, there is no way to remove the outter retaining clip, so driving it over it would make sense. Does not want to move though.