I have a backlash gauge set you can borrow if this is something you want to try tackling yourself.....
Appreciate the offer, but I already have a dial indicator. It's the bearing pullers, press, and time that I lack. I'll gear the next axles I build, but they won't be going on a daily driver so I can take my time with the setup.
From preheating the tubes, I destroyed the axle seals, so out they came. It'll get fresh seals with the gears. I then took that opportunity to clean out the tubes. Yes, this would have been the perfect opportunity to install sleeves.
On the last axle I did a weld washer over the axle side track bar bolt. Did the same thing on this one, but used some flat bar drilled out instead. This prevents the hole from wallowing out over time.
More Spicer goodness. My shafts had the original u-joints in them, and I could start to feel some play in them.
Pressed the old joints out. I like to take some steel wool and clean the ID, and then file the inside surface flat. Mostly to get rid of any burs the new caps may catch on.
Install new 760's.
Looking at the splines, I noticed a
very slight twist to them. I'll still run these shafts, but will likely pick up some spares to rebuild and swap in later. I consider stock 30 shafts to be a wear item. Alloys would be a good investment, but I'm not sold I need them (knock on wood).
In comparison to my old 44 shaft, it's not too bad. :laugh3:
Add paint for looks.
Ordered some new UCA bushings (Crown
#52087709). Got them pressed in after figuring out the right combination of adpater to use.
Also got my replacement Detroit today. Props to West Coast Differentials for the speedy shipment.
