Pulled the axles out of my 9 bolt a few months ago when new backing plates were needed for a big brake upgrade. The axle halves went back in just fine. Also installed Hawks 9 bolt Girdle.
Pulled axle halves again to pound in new lug nut studs, notice a small leak from a seal. Had new seals and bearings pressed on at the shop - used hawks 9 bolt seal and bearing kit.
Went to install and the longer passenger side (PS) axle will not slide completely in. The splines engage approximately 3/4" and need to continue into the housing approximately another 3/4 - 1" further.
Swapped the shorter drivers side into the PS and yes the bearing completely seats into the housing.
Slowly turned the drivers side axle while someone pushes on the PS.
Put the wheel back on the drivers side and sat it on the ground and tried engaging PS, rotated PS and continued pushing.
Rotated driveshaft and pinion while trying to install PS and would not go in. Did this with drivers axle up in the air, and with the wheel back on sitting on the ground.
Finally tried the 4 pound sledge - gave it a few good wacks and no dice. Did not want to continue pounding.
Isn't there a second set of splines that need to be in alignment to allow the axle to go in completely? I seem to remember something about this years ago when I had a similar experience with my 9 bolt.
I could be wrong though, it's been a while.
Isn't there a second set of splines that need to be in alignment to allow the axle to go in completely? I seem to remember something about this years ago when I had a similar experience with my 9 bolt.
I could be wrong though, it's been a while.
thats what I thought, the cone and spider gear. That’s why I keep trying to spin it to get them to align..
Sounds like something got turned while you had it apart
Also sounds like at least one of your cones has no coneness left; otherwise, if both had plenty of friction, nothing would have moved; if one is just dead weight now, the other probably isn't far behind, and it's a waste of time to reassemble it anyway
Turn the other axle SLOWLY in SMALL increments while trying to put the one in GENTLY (no need for the BFH: when the splines line up, it'll fall right in)
Then take it back apart and see if you can do the usual hack to the cones to get a little bit of "posi" action back temporarily
I agree, when I had it apart a couple months ago I could see through the site window one cone was bottomed out and I weighed my options for what I wanted to accomplish this year. I'll go the Torsen route when this one gives, still acting as a good posi for the meantime.
Tried for hours rotating the drivers side axle halve and pushing the PS in. No dice. Was fishing for another trick to get the cone and side gear to align. Appreciate it.
What kit did you go with for the rear? I’m doing the upgrade to my 89 trans am gta and can only find kits for the front. I have the front and rear Corvette c5 calipers already. My rear end is a BW 9 bolt.
What kit did you go with for the rear? I’m doing the upgrade to my 89 trans am gta and can only find kits for the front. I have the front and rear Corvette c5 calipers already. My rear end is a BW 9 bolt.
