[PhilC64]

I finally got my 40 situated in my garage and began correcting a few problems with it. One of the problems I have is a half-arsed SOA. I have the axle dropped and will be taking it to a reputable shop for a cut and turn. I need to have it stripped before I take it there. The problem I'm having is separating the 3rd member from the axle. Is there any trick to this or do I just beat the snot out of it until it comes loose?

I feel like such a noob.

[bsilva132]

Every time I have to remove the 3rd it is a PITA. If you can get a thin screwdriver or even a razor blade inbetween the housing and the 3rd it will start splitting apart.

[John Smith]

Put your factory bottle jack under the third and use it to break the seal at the axle. It is a good idea to leave two nuts threaded on so the 3rd does not hit the garage floor when it breaks free.

I am not sure how a shop is going to be able to set the proper caster and pinion angle for you without the rest of the truck. If I were a shop I would certainly give you no guarantees the angles are going to be right. My guess is unless there is a LC specific shop near you who cuts and turns axles, when you tell the shop what you want done they will send you on your way.

[Bret]

When it's on the vehicle I have put a jack under the diff and lifted up a bit to pull it loose. You may be able to lay a hi-lift on the axle sideways wedged between the steering stop and the diff housing close to the pinion. But I would think a big deadblow might knock it loose. Maybe a ratchet strap around the knuckle and nose of the diff? Ghetto but it might work...

[mudnyreye]

I squirt mine down with gasket remover, wait about 15-20min. then do the same as JohnSmith. works every time.

[PhilC64]

Damn you guys are quick! Thanks for the input!! I'll start with the gasket remover and work in out from there! You guys are the goods!

[D'Animal]

You did pull tha axles out, right?

[PhilC64]

I'm not that much of a Cruiser noob Dan! I never had a chunk give me headaches like this before is all. So long as I can pull it out like a Ford 9 I'm good to go!

[camcruiser13]

Originally Posted by D'Animal

You did pull tha axles out, right?

you p robably gotta do this first or it aint moving

[PhilC64]

Originally Posted by John Smith

I am not sure how a shop is going to be able to set the proper caster and pinion angle for you without the rest of the truck. If I were a shop I would certainly give you no guarantees the angles are going to be right. My guess is unless there is a LC specific shop near you who cuts and turns axles, when you tell the shop what you want done they will send you on your way.

The guy I'm taking it too is someone Gumby trusts if that tells you anything. He's done similar work for a few Mud members and knows what needs to be done.

Oh and yes the axle shafts are pulled and sitting on my bench waiting to be Martacked.

[60fj25]

I found that once it is out of the vehicle all of the leveraging tricks didn't work. The third weights probably more than the entire axle housing. I put the axle housing on a bunch of wood, lifted the third by the pinion flange with an engine hoist till the housing was just off the wood. Placed a 4x4 on the flat part near the third and hit it with a sledge. It dropped onto the wood with two shots.

[cruiserdoc]

I have had success using a putty knife and beating it into the seam using a bfh. i do this at 12, 3, 6, and 9 oclock positions, and then I use 3-4 small screwdrivers to wedge it into the seam to pry it off. It will destroy the putty knife but I am 4 for 4 using this technique if you want to call that a technique

[Teebag]

also use the putty knife