Genopsyde

iTrader: (2)

I'm working on dismantling a nine bolt that i recently acquired and the axle shafts don't want to budge. The four axle bearing retaining plate bolts on each side have been removed. Is there something else I'm missing that holds them in? Searches yielded no useful results. Thanks

big gear head

Sometimes the bearings are stuck in the housing ends and you need a slide hammer or something else to jar them loose.

Base91

iTrader: (1)

Just remember to start off with tapping and work up some more force if really needed. Don't bend anything.

Genopsyde

iTrader: (2)

Slide hammer didn't work, neither did using a steel rod and mallet against the back side of the axle flange. I went as far as using a hydraulic spreader that's used for frame repairs, and still wouldn't move. Looks like I'm going to have to break out the torch. Thanks for the info and suggestions.

Base91

iTrader: (1)

Surprising that some hammer didn't work. Is the diff cover off? Nothing crazy like the axles welded to the carrier?

Genopsyde

iTrader: (2)

yea cover is off, nothing looks welded or out of the ordinary. everything spins nice and freely.

Base91

iTrader: (1)

I was going to ask if it's definitely a 9-bolt but you mentioned the 4 flange bolts. There shouldn't be anything other than the rubber seal stopping it. If you torch it you'll likely melt the rubber and have to clean it. Those things are pretty sturdy so you up the hammer some. Try rigging up some way to keep some tension pulling the shaft out so when you hit it it should help keep it going in the right direction.

Genopsyde

iTrader: (2)

Yea it definitely is a 9 bolt. 9 cover bolts, 8 ring gear bolts, no cross pin, no c-clips, I built and set up the 10 bolt that's in my car now...so yea, pretty sure lol.

I actually bought it on accident. I went to the junkyard with the intent of getting a junk 10-bolt to cut all the mounting brackets off of to transfer over to my ford 9". Took the cover off and couldn't find a cross pin anywhere, had no idea wtf was going on...took about 10 minutes before I thought "maybe it's a 9 bolt"...sure enough.

Decided that I can't cut up a 9 bolt with a clear conscience, so why not put this in my car and see how long it holds up. Everything inside will be upgraded or replaced, only the housing itself will be reused.

I will use the torch as a last resort. This weekend I will try applying tension with the hydraulic spreader while simultaniously using a slide hammer, or rod and mallet against the back side of axle flange.

I appreciate the suggestions thus far.

subroc

iTrader: (2)

Jeez i can't believe your having that much of a problem getting the axles out. last time i was lazy and just put two lug nuts on the wheel loose and used the wheel as a ghetto slide hammer and it pulled my axles right out without a problem. Granted my axles had been out before but still.

Genopsyde

iTrader: (2)

got em out sunday. had to chisel away the edges of the axle seal, then use the hydraulic spreader and mallet combination. took a few swings, but they finally popped out.

RPOL98

I'm just wondering if the splines were deformed or twisted, causing them to stick in the diff...

post-mortem analysis for historical purposes.

Genopsyde

iTrader: (2)

I don't recall them being damaged at all, but will look closer and report back...