2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission dana 60 axleshaft

[JessePayne]

I am just finishing replacing my ball joints, U joints, and bearings and have a question. I have noticed alot of dirt debree inside the axle tubes up against the outer seal. I am worried about sliding the axle shafts back into the tube and picking up dirt on the spines. This is my first time doing this job and was hoping to learn from anyone elses experiences.

 

[Nate]

Run the shop vac hose down the tube a couple times, it will suck all the dirt out.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Years ago I made a tool for cleaning out axle tubes since I was working on so many rears. I took a piece of 1/2" water pipe and welded a small piece of flat on the end and ground one side round to match axle tubes. I also sharpened it so it pulls the crud out pretty good.

 

[Nate]

Why would you need that on a rear axle? I've never seen one that wasn't sealed at the ends of the tubes... unlike a front axle.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Because many times especially on older stuff there will still be some crud in the bottom, mainly from rust that needs to be cleaned out.

 

[JessePayne]

The vacuum idea sound great. I plan on using a piece of all thread with a washer between two nuts on the end to scrape some of the crap out and will vaccuum the rest out with shop vac

 

[Nate]

Yeah that works too.



When I did ball joints, I didn't clean the tubes, and was carefull putting the shafts in. Ended up with a leak a week or so after. Took me a weekend to change those darn seals.