Bent front diff

[IdahoDoug]

This thread is starting to remind me of dental work - pulling each tidbit out one at a time grudgingly. I don't mean to offend, but over a week ago I requested a description of what happened - didn't get it. Some pictures were asked for by others - didn't get 'em.

We're at a pretty severe disadvantage here in terms of helping in this situation. 2oyota's clearly inexperienced and we're relying on him to tell us what's going on, so what information we get is filtered. The amount of information is frustratingly (obviously from my tone here) paltry. No pictures. The springs may be bound in a dangerous way. And we're being asked how to disassemble it safely. Not get it off, mind you - do it safely.

Beo is 100% right that we're getting into the foolish zone here trying to advise someone with low mechanical skills on how to do something that may be dangerous. I am sure there are a lot of folks here who'd love to help, but how many of you would like to be part of a lawsuit and have your advice waved under your nose in court because this guy lost an eye while unbolting a twisted front axle?

Personally, if he's getting advice that indicates there's something under tension due to collision damage that we've never dealt with, I feel strongly he should rely upon local advice from someone who can properly assess what's going on. Giving him advice under those circumstances may cause injury.

DougM

 

[e9999]

easy Doug, a gal who is willing to try and remove a front axle housing is OK in my book...
But yes, you are right, safety is paramount here and always.

 

[IdahoDoug]

E,

I know - it's nice to see people roll up their sleeves. I agree with that. But frankly I'd be a lot more comfortable if this thread were about someone like that draining and refilling their fluids for the first time, ya know? But I've got visions of an 80 with one axle side shoved backward half a foot, an upward bent locating arm that's holding several thousand pounds of pressure on the spring, a sway bar caught on a bent frame edge and a few of us saying "Yeah, go ahead and unbolt that thing you've done a miserably inadequate job of describing to us."

DougM

 

[2oyo2a]

Thanks for the gender clarification E9999, and I’m sorry to have caused frustration and fears of lawsuits. IdahoDoug is right - I am inexperienced. However, I’m 5 days away from working on that front axle housing. At this stage I'm collecting as much information as possible so that I can proceed as safely, as successfully, and as cost efficiently as possible. I really appreciate all the advice that I've received from you guys so far. Please remember a couple of things: I’m new to this site, and to this style of communication. Also, I’m not sure if my "rookie" status allows me to send pic's. If it does, I don't know how to go about it. Here's the scoop on my vehicle: I purchased it as damaged goods - an insurance write-off. I have no knowledge of how the accident occurred. When I saw it posted on the block I fell in love with it. Now I want to "love, hold and cherish it". Here in Canada the parts and knowledge of 80 series is hard to come by as they are a rare vehicle. Three weeks ago I made a trip down to Rancho Cordova, California and brought back a bunch of parts: inner fender, both front fender's, hood, rad support, lights, trailing arms stabilizer links, ect. (A 4 day journey round trip if you don't stop). I’m very serious about fixing this vehicle so I can have it up and running for my own personal use. I don't want to sell it when I’m done. Previously I owned a Samurai Suzuki and being without a 4x4 I KNOW what bush adventures I’m missing out on. I need a 4x4, so why not have the best? I may be new to all of this, but I’m not afraid to collect information, or ask for help. I hope this additional information eases your hearts and minds of any anxiety. Romer gave a real nice step by step description that I can use AS A GUIDE. Once the axle housing is removed and a better assessment is made, I will be in a position of knowing whether or not it's repairable. If it's too badly damaged I'll need to go shopping for another one, a used one. . . . . . the Rookie

 

[landtank]

Personally I wouldn't remove the axle just yet.

First thing would be to get the load off of the damaged side so the tension on that spring is removed. You'll know when this is done as stock springs will be loose in place when the axle is at full droop.

If this can't be done with the current condition then a spring compressor will be needed to get that accomplished.

Once the tension is removed I'd swap in the new leading arm, both if needed, and then take it to an alignment shop for evaluation.

They should be able to tell you if there is still a problem and where it is. You could have frame damage where the leading arms attach or axle damage or both.

Pulling the axle straight away seems a little early in the todo list.

 

[Romer]

You can PM me or Beowulf and we will give your our e-mail addresses. We will post the pics for you

 

[GXO]

It sounds to me that the impact was head on or slightly to one side...would indicate a torqued control arm for sure. I am thinking that the springs would be in a compressed state and would indeed be a bit tricky to remove without compression and care.

I would be concerned that with the control arm(s) bent the way they are the axle has pivoted in an unhealthy manner and could have resulted in differential damage (pinion most likely) so make sure you check that out.

Sounds like it needs some major work. Make sure it is in good condition and go through the whole front axle (complete rebuild) to make sure the thing is safe before you go tearing off in your new found love

Welcome to Mud!

 

[fzj80kidpen]

I can't wait to see there pics
By the way, welcome.
You have the attention of some serious knowledge and know how on this thread. As you can tell, safety is a big concern anytime someone is getting under these rigs and taking apart suspensions. A couple pics will be a huge help so that we can see exactly what you have on your hands.

 

[Romer]

Here are the pics she sent me

 

[Romer]

More

 

[Romer]

Another

 

[Romer]

the last one, it's small

 

[GXO]

I am VERY suspicious of the diff with all that oil there. Looks like the pinion may have taken a hit...at the very least the seal is toast, which calls into questions the staked nut there.

Obviously the control arm is toast. Looks like the impact was front passenger to front driver? Those springs are indeed under tension...compression is required at the least. I would also lift to unload the springs prior to removal and use a compressor to pull them if they don't come loose.

I can't really tell from the pic, but it also looks like the long side housing is bent near the diff.. may need to check that out...

 

[Romer]

Are you going to do all the work yourself, even body work?

I would take the fender off and then the steps I mentioned above would work. They are not complete. I recommend getting a Factory Service manual.

You will need to check to make sure the frame isn't damaged, it can be straightned, but by someone who has a machine to do it.

 

[Beowulf]

2oyo2a,

It needs oil pan(s) along with a new axle housing (if bent), front springs and shocks, and 2 trailing control arms and it looks like some other dangly bits. Body: RF fender, bonnet, bumper, grill, & headlights. Sway bar bolts are sheared and the RS bracket is toast. Don't worry about those 2 indentations on the diff housing; you posted 2 pics so I assume you were concerned.

I think the 2 front springs will drop out when you lower the axle. Remove the sway bar and the 2 front shocks and they should drop out without much drama.

Probably some more stuff we can't see.
-B-

 

[Romer]

The more I look at it, I would bet the frame is bent slightly based on the way the control arm looks.

 

[landtank]

The oil looks like it's from the missing pan.

I stand by my original suggestion, replace the arms and get it on a rack before doing anything else.

If the axle is bent and as well as the frame you might want to rethink the repair as something as simple as removing the springs seems to be beyond your skill set.

I don't mean to be mean here, but in that kind of repair, removing springs is way down on the ability scale.

 

[Kalawang]

I agree.

Actually I think Landtank is being too kind, probably because he takes his own knowledge for granted. The project is probably beyond even a moderately skilled mechanic. There are just too many little things there that require greater understanding.


Kalawang

The oil looks like it's from the missing pan.

I stand by my original suggestion, replace the arms and get it on a rack before doing anything else.

If the axle is bent and as well as the frame you might want to rethink the repair as something as simple as removing the springs seems to be beyond your skill set.

I don't mean to be mean here, but in that kind of repair, removing springs is way down on the ability scale.

 

[e9999]

springs look like they could be removed fairly easily by dropping the axle housing (caution suggested). Rome, why do you think they need replacing?

Looks like it already needed a Birf job before this happened, too....

do I remember correctly that you need to remove the second pan before the first one can be taken down? if so, does that mean the second one is toast too?

 

[Kalawang]

If you think the springs might spring, you could tie them with strong guy wire before dropping the axle.


Kalawang

springs look like they could be removed fairly easily by dropping the axle housing (caution suggested). Rome, why do you think they need replacing?

Looks like it already needed a Birf job before this happened, too....

do I remember correctly that you need to remove the second pan before the first one can be taken down? if so, does that mean the second one is toast too?