2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Intermediate axle replacement

[THess]

The intermediate axle between the differetial and CAD on my 98 has worn splines and needs to be replaced. The vacuum system started failing and let it pop out of 4x4 and wore the teeth. Now it won't go in 4x4 at all. I was just wondering how hard it is to replace this shaft and any seals that go with it. thanks Thad

 

[mwilson]

The intermediate axle between the differetial and CAD on my 98 has worn splines and needs to be replaced. The vacuum system started failing and let it pop out of 4x4 and wore the teeth. Now it won't go in 4x4 at all. I was just wondering how hard it is to replace this shaft and any seals that go with it. thanks Thad

Not hard at all, just pull RH wheel end apart, remove that shaft. Remove axle disconnect and collar. Clean the axle tube from the seal out with a fender washer nutted to a chunk of redi-rod used as a pull scraper. When tube is clean work the inner axle out using one hand in thru the disconnect opening to steady it on the way out thru the axle tube.

Reverse to install, again put one hand in thru the the disconnect hole to steady the axle. I did mine and did not change the seal. The only other thing in there is a needle bearing that supports the inner axle juist beyond the splines. I checked mine while the axle was out and it was in fine condition.



I assume that you are going to purchase a new sliding coupler along with the new inner axle???



Mike.

 

[THess]

Thanks a lot Mike. It looks like a real job to replace that seal. The axle I'm looking at comes with the coupler.

 

[mwilson]

I did not mention that I also lubed the splined areas of the new inner axle just before installing with gear oil in hopes of not damaging the seal. It worked, axle tube still dry to this day.

Mike.

 

[THess]

I ordered the shaft and coupler this morning. Hopefully everything will go back together and I'll be able to get around again soon. Mike, I feel your advice and recommendations are the most helpful and informative on the TDR. Thanks

 

[mwilson]

I ordered the shaft and coupler this morning. Hopefully everything will go back together and I'll be able to get around again soon. Mike, I feel your advice and recommendations are the most helpful and informative on the TDR. Thanks

Thank you for saying that, but in reality I'm only one step up from a farmer using a 6' pry bar... ... .



I have been meditating on the axle change as it has been two years since I did mine. I am thinking that I placed my left hand in the disconnect opening and extended my index finger thru middle of the seal to catch and support the axle end as I was sliding it into the axle tube with the right hand. That keeps it from dragging on the bottom lip of the seal.



Mike.

 

[NIsaacs]

I am thinking that I placed my left hand in the disconnect opening and extended my index finger thru middle of the seal to catch and support the axle end as I was sliding it into the axle tube with the right hand.



Mike.

Are you sure:-laf that seems backwards or do I use my other left



Nick

 

[mwilson]

Are you sure:-laf that seems backwards or do I use my other left



Nick

Should have mentioned that I was on a creeper working from behind the front axle. You had me thinking for a minute there, Nick... ...



Mike.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Thank you for saying that, but in reality I'm only one step up from a farmer using a 6' pry bar... ... .



Mike.

What're ya tryin' to say, there, boss?!?!?



:-laf, It takes coordination to use both hands on that job, that's one step up from most! I think you got it described, well, though..... Apart from using a quality log of lumber to support the axle of the truck properly with the tire removed... . And being sure you wipe the excess oil that pours out the actuator housing on your jeans... ...