Thanks for the ongoing support!
As promised earlier, here's my write-up of my axle replacement. For 99% of you, swapping axles is a "been there, done that" excercise; but I'm writing it up to share my experiences for those that don't know what's up (like me when I unbolted the diff cover). I didn't get pictures of every step because I didn't feel like washing my hands so often to touch the camera. Luckily, my dad was standing by once in a while to get some shots.
First thing, get a Chilton's nice and greasy:
Next, grab a hold of the driveshaft and spin it until you see a bolt head such as this. This is the set pin which you will need to remove. Shown here:
Just 1 more step before the axles can be removed. Now that the pin is out, there is a steel "dowel" directly in the center of the differential that keeps the axles separate. Rotate the axle to a convienent position and then simply reach in there and push it in either direction. No need to remove it entirely...just far enough so the axles can slide inboard. Here's a pic:
After that, simply push the axles inboard to release the c-clips.
Ta-da!
Use a slide hammer (I rented from autozone) and the bearing puller attachment to get the seal and bearing out. Pay attention to which way the seal was facing, so that you install the new seal the same way (just in case).
It has been recommended to me over and over that you should always change out the bearings and seals whenever the axle is replaced. To install the new ones, you're going to have to get used to the painful feeling of beating on your car. My tension level skyrocketed during this part of the project, as I am a believer that a hammer is a substitution for using the correct tool. Anyways, I used a hammer and a socket to slowly tap around the outer race of the bearing until it "felt" seated against the lip of the axle housing. Then I did the same for the seal. I don't even like to talk about it that much, because the whole process just gave me the chills. "Just hammer until it feels right;" that's no way to build a car.
Anyways, it worked. NOTE: many have said that after you push the dowel out of position, don't rotate the assembly, as the differential components can fall out. If you need to change positions, push the pin back first.
To reinstall the axles, just do everything in reverse.
Update soon on the installation of the Gen 2 power steering pump from Unisteer.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
Kudos and if it helps even one person... good for you! You just helped someone out. Tony
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