Help! Searched for some guidance but couldn't find it. Looking for some assistance on the proper procedure for installing 9 bolt axles when they won't seat into the spider gear(?). In the process of installing PBR rear disks onto my '88 9 bolt I found that the axle would not seat into the rear properly. I tried to follow the shop manual exactly (not moving the position of the diff, etc. while the axle was out) but it didn't seem to work for me. I read on other posts that you have to work the axle into the diff while holding it so it doesn't move but I'm looking for a more detailed explanation since I've been unsuccessful so far. Shop manual offers no explanation of how to fix this problem. Thanks.

 

Shot in the dark here: 9-bolt axles are different lengths. Could it be that you've somehow swapped them from side to side?

JamesC

 

The 9 bolt has a split axle gear. That means that there are 2 sets of splines on each side. When you removed the axles the splines must have got out of alignment. Put the axles in as far as you can get them and have someone help you. Have them hold one axle while you slowly turn the other axle while pusing in on it. This might take some strength. Put the brake rotor on backwards and use it to turn the axle. When the splines line up the axle will go in.

 

Thanks for the comments! I've only removed the passenger side axle so far so the axle is the correct one for that side.

Thanks for the tip Big Gear Head - I will try it tonight when my son is available to help.
Greg

 

When I finally got back to working on the axle install I had my son hold the wheel on the opposite side while I turned the axle on the side that needed to be seated (put rotor on to help turn - good idea!). Worked for quite awhile pushing the axle in and turning the axle at least 1.5-2.5 rotations and no go. Can you feel the axle seat into the diff when it gets to the right location? What a pain, would have left the stock discs on if I knew what a hassle it was just to get the axle back in!

 

Is the bearing race seated in the housing end? I can't figure out why you are having so much trouble with this. Seems like it would have gone in easier.

 

After messing around with trying to get my axle back in place off and on for months now I re re-read the shop manual and it says that if you move either wheel while the axle is out of the unit then you must remove the differential and disassemble and re-assemble using the axles to locate the spider gears. Wow - if only I had known not to touch this unit!

 

It's not as hard as it sounds, had to do that a bunch when I was picking a shim for the posi cones.