What's the Secret??? - Long Side Axel Install

[toyman317]

The installation of the long side front axel is kicking my ass. What have you guys found that works well and consistent in getting it all lined up? How far down do you push on the birf, etc? That axel housing seems awful big down there. All suggestions much appreciated. Getting ready to head out Friday for a week long trip to the Ozarks and need this done. Thanks again.

 

[super90]

Funny that I had more problems with the short side. I wish I had a trick to pass on. I would say, too many trips in and out and you better just replace that "new" axle seal again now. It's getting worn out with all that. Ask me how I know.

 

[Bigshone]

Did you lock your front locker before you removed the axle? I did a birfield job a week ago and locked mine first and slid the axle in and used the washer/guide that sits a couple inches inside the axle tube to pivot the axle up a little while I slid it in the last couple inches and also turned it a little bit to get it to drop in.

 

[Options20002001]

The installation of the long side front axel is kicking my ass. What have you guys found that works well and consistent in getting it all lined up? How far down do you push on the birf, etc? That axel housing seems awful big down there. All suggestions much appreciated.

Would like to know this too. Just replaced the long side oil seal with a Marlin HD seal and appears this one failed too. Had similar problems putting the axle back in......had to push down on the birf, rotate and slide the axle in and out a few times before it dropped in What gives? Thanks.

I would say, too many trips in and out and you better just replace that "new" axle seal again now. It's getting worn out with all that. Ask me how I know.

Sadly, you may be right! Have replaced the oil seal on the DS twice in the last six months and both times it failed almost immediately! Both times had trouble dropping the axle in. Are there any special tricks for the long side? What else could be wrong? Is the axle out of spec and needs replacement? This is bugging me now

The truck is a 97 LX450 w/o lockers.

Thanks.

 

[tirewater]

What's the oil seal look like after you replace it the second time? Is the spring being pushed out? Or is it simply deforming from having the axle rest on it?

You may want to try loading the backside of the seal with grease to prevent the spring from being pushed out (if that's the problem).

 

[outinthewoods]

I feel your pain!! I wrestled with that stupid thing for what seemed like hours!!

I final got the right combination of pushing, and rotating slightly back and forth and it popped right in.

I think part of it was I was so scared of damaging the new seal I wasn't actually pushing it in far enough.

 

[LIVERUST]

yea, Kicked my Ass as well a few months back. And, yes, too many failed attempts in and out and now I have a leaking inner seal and get to do it all over again this week. I fought mine for literally hours, not "seems like hours!" Finally I took off the housing, axle slide right in first try, then put the housing back on. wish I had done that hours sooner. I have had tons of people tell me you can do it without taking off the housing, just made a world of difference for me.

 

[timer00]

As a first timer when I did my axle job I got both sides in pretty easily and didn't lock the front etc before doing so.

I just slid it in and jiggled up and down while pushing in ever so slightly and voila.. If I had to take hours I'ld probably jump off a cliff haha

 

[sleeoffroad]

There is a collar just inside of the ball that the axle needs to pivot on. When you look into the tube, it looks like a large fender washer. It is not uncommon for those to get loose or fall over. You need this to pivot the axle on.

 

[Options20002001]

What's the oil seal look like after you replace it the second time? Is the spring being pushed out? Or is it simply deforming from having the axle rest on it?

You may want to try loading the backside of the seal with grease to prevent the spring from being pushed out (if that's the problem).

The spring was found almost at the end of the axle when I replaced the last (oem) seal. Obviously, the spring had pushed out when the axle was first installed. The seal was deformed too...both at the top and at the bottom letting the oil through!

I don't know what happened to the Marlin seal that is in there now. I will keep your suggestion in mind about loading the backside with grease when I tear into it again. Thanks.

Finally I took off the housing, axle slide right in first try, then put the housing back on.

Are you referring to the knuckle housing as the "housing?" Mine was off.

There is a collar just inside of the ball that the axle needs to pivot on. When you look into the tube, it looks like a large fender washer. It is not uncommon for those to get loose or fall over. You need this to pivot the axle on.

Thanks Christo. I will definitely look for this. How far down the tube I should look for this washer? Is there a picture that can be shared?

I haven't heard anyone suggest that the axle may be out of spec? Any other tricks/suggestions?

 

[toyman317]

Well, I finally got mine in last night. One problem I noticed was that the knuckle wasn't straight so that made aligning the axel into the hole slightly off. A slight turn of the steering wheel to straighten the front wheels made a difference I think. Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I feel vindicated that many other people have had difficulty with this. Why couldn't Mr. T have made it just a little easier.

 

[sleeoffroad]

Thanks Christo. I will definitely look for this. How far down the tube I should look for this washer? Is there a picture that can be shared?

There must be a pic on here somwhere. It is probably 304" past the inner axle seal.

 

[sleeoffroad]

Search " Inner Axle Ring" lots of info, but pics might be gone.

See https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/7689-sos-birfield-job-long-axle-side.html

Scary thing is that is from 2003. Have we really been here that long?