Can't get DS axle back in

[Beowulf]

... the local parts store sold me the wrong one and I had to get to work until I found the right one. Got the right one today, ...

Pete,
You should ONLY use a Toyota inner axle seal. They are relatively inexpensive and, as you have now found out, you do not want to do the job again due to saving $1 on that seal. The aftermarket seals are not the same even though they make look the same. Others will disagree but I stand by this statement.

-B-

 

[semlin]

what riley said. two inches or so from where the seal goes there should be an index ring made of stamped metal in the axle shaft that is slightly large ID than the axle. This index ring act as the pivot to get the axle at the right height to slot it in. Without the index ring it will never ever be at the right angle to go in! shine a flashlight in there and make sure it is there! It can come loose and spin on the axle and then drop into the bottom of the axle when you pull it out. if that is what happened riley and I ahev an old thread on how to fix it

even with the pivot in place there is a certain amount of zen in getting it to seat. try taking deep breaths and getting into a trance. works for me

also, the inner axle seal is the most important part in the whole repack job not to screw up. if you do gear oil will migrate into your birfs and dilute the grease and wreck everything. to avoid repeatedly butchering seals while trying to fit the axle in, figure out how to get the axle in first without the seal in place then take the axle out, put the seal in and do the same thing again. use a toyota seal and to seat it either cut a short piece of abs pipe perfectly square at both ends and use that to tap it in with a mallet or use a big wooden dowel or a wooden block wittled down to the diameter of the seal.

 

[Beowulf]

Indexing ring inside of axle tube.

-B-

 

[ptmacp]

Pete,
You should ONLY use a Toyota inner axle seal. They are relatively inexpensive and, as you have now found out, you do not want to do the job again due to saving $1 on that seal. The aftermarket seals are not the same even though they make look the same. Others will disagree but I stand by this statement.

-B-

Agreed. I don't know what the aftermarket inner axle seals look like cause the angry kid at O'Reilly's (SE chain) assured me it was the right one when I was sure it was not. I think it's a tranny output seal he sold me. Definately too big. I'm a 40 and 55 guy so I figured the 80s must be bigger. Not that big.

Pete in Pegram

 

[IdahoDoug]

Agree on the Toyota-only for this part. It's the keystone to the entire repack and we've pretty much repeatedly confirmed the aftermarket ones all suck. Get a few Toyota ones even if you have to wait a day or two.

DougM

 

[ptmacp]

Just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my newbie questions - I've done front axle overhauls on a 40 and a 55 but was worried that the 80 was different. Just in case anyone ever searches the archive as I did and comes up a bit short, the trick for me was not turning the opposite wheel or the driveshaft but turning the steering wheel a tiny bit more toward straight on. The axle slide right in. Shouldn't matter but it did. One of those lightbulb over the head moments that can be so satisfying. Oh, and due to my malfeasance, there are currently no more inner axle seals in stock at dealerships in the greater Nashville are.

Anyway, you guys rock!