Short/Long Birfield length - snap ring groove too short on hub install (1 Viewer)

[rossl]

I'm swapping parts in my '78 to newer since I'm looking to upgrade axle strength as long as I have things pulled apart. I thought I had things figured out, but in the last step of putting it all back together I'm coming up short for the birfield outer snap ring by about 1-2mm. The birfield is pulled completely out, but there just isn't enough room to put the snap ring on. Is there a length difference between the '78 wheel hub and the later hubs? My understanding was the main difference was the brake rotor, but I could be wrong. And the spindle should be same on all models.

I'm running Longfield axles, which should be the short birfield length. I'm running a stock '78 wheel hub and stock spindles, and trying to put on an Aisin HD locking hub.

Referencing this post:

Locking Hub (Aisin) Won't Seat after Upgrade to FJ60 Birfield

No, have not try to take apart. Base on what poser said, 3 options.

forum.ih8mud.com

It should be about 26-27mm to run a standard AISIN hub, and 35-36mm for the long body. I have about 25mm, which means the snap ring groove is just behind the locking hub gear and impossible to install.

Anyone know what might be going wrong?

 

[rossl]

Ok, a couple of additions - with the spindle bushing firmly against the birfield, I have 23.35mm between the end of the spindle and the snap ring. When I install the wheel hub, the edge if the spindle is just proud of the hub, but doesn't give me the distances mentioned above (26-27mm). It would imply the spindle should extend beyond the wheel hub when installed by 3-4mm.

Photo has the birfield pulled out showing the spindle snug up against the bushing. Does this measurement look right? If so, then the issue is with the wheel hub.