rear axle problem

[Tony_Urwin]

I just replaced my 4.11 differential with a 3.73 that I got from George Asche a few years ago. I swapped the pinion flanges, replacing the pinion seal as well. Replaced axle bearings and races, replaced inner and outer oil seals.

I put it all back together yesterday to see how the old axles fit into the new differential. Everything seems to fit together great, but the passenger side axle will not turn.

Can anyone tell me what I did wrong?

Or perhaps this is a differential problem?

[Don Coatney]

Tony;

Did you give George Asche a call? I would think he could answer your question.

[Dodgeb4ya]

If only one axle won't turn-Possibly the Inner seal is not in deep enough in the housing or a bit different style (thicker) and is binding on axle shaft shoulder next to the axle bearing? All of this assuming the diff is already bolted in to the housing and backing plates shimmed properly and evenly side to side with .003 to .008" axle side clearance and bolted up and installed. Otherwise spider/side gear problem most likely-rare.

Bob

Edited November 12, 2010 by Dodgeb4ya

[bkahler]

I just replaced my 4.11 differential with a 3.73 that I got from George Asche a few years ago. I swapped the pinion flanges, replacing the pinion seal as well. Replaced axle bearings and races, replaced inner and outer oil seals.

I put it all back together yesterday to see how the old axles fit into the new differential. Everything seems to fit together great, but the passenger side axle will not turn.

Can anyone tell me what I did wrong?

Or perhaps this is a differential problem?

Tony,

You might need more or fewer shims for the rear axle bearings. The service manual describes the procedure use to determine how many shims are needed. This is something I need to do on my B3B. The axles are tight since I had the diff rebuilt.

Brad

[Tony_Urwin]

I haven't gotten as far as adjusting endplay. Just checking that all parts fit and work properly with the new differential. I don't see how this can be a shim issue. If displacing an axle shaft by a few hundreds of an inch would lock up a wheel.... well, more of you guys would no longer be alive to post comments here.

Bob, the axle isn't binding, it's locked. It will rotate a few degrees back and forth. So you are probably right that there is an internal problem with the differential. Come to think of it, I have been missing a 1/2" socket....

Brad, how expensive was your diff rebuild? I don't have the tools to do it myself, and since I want to live to post again, it may be time for professional help.

Don, I enjoy talking to George, I really do. But most days it's hard to find that much time. Thought I'd give the forum a shot.

Edited November 12, 2010 by Tony_Urwin

[Dave72dt]

Loosen the bolts holding the axle brg that doesn't turn. If it rotates after loosening, there's a definite end play issue. Are the axles the same length or one shorter than the other and sides reversed? Does the other axle turn freely? Trying it with the brakes and drums assembled? Hitting a bolt that may be installed backwards?

[Dodgeb4ya]

I haven't gotten as far as adjusting endplay. Just checking that all parts fit and work properly with the new differential. I don't see how this can be a shim issue. If displacing an axle shaft by a few hundreds of an inch would lock up a wheel.... well, more of you guys would no longer be alive to post comments here.

Bob, the axle isn't binding, it's locked. It will rotate a few degrees back and forth. So you are probably right that there is an internal problem with the differential. Come to think of it, I have been missing a 1/2" socket....

Brad, how expensive was your diff rebuild? I don't have the tools to do it myself, and since I want to live to post again, it may be time for professional help.

Don, I enjoy talking to George, I really do. But most days it's hard to find that much time. Thought I'd give the forum a shot.

Tony,

I'd be lookin for a 1/2" socket!

[bkahler]

Brad, how expensive was your diff rebuild? I don't have the tools to do it myself, and since I want to live to post again, it may be time for professional help.

This was about 12 years ago and I believe it cost me $225. I took them the third member and all they really did was dismantle, clean it, replace bearings and reassemble.

I probably didn't need to to do anything to it but at the time I was thoughts were to have everything on the truck gone through which I did. Probably a waste of money on my part but at the time money wasn't an issue (I was single!).

Brad

[Don Coatney]

Don, I enjoy talking to George, I really do. But most days it's hard to find that much time. Thought I'd give the forum a shot.

Understood:D