Front Differential Question

[TimG102]

I was looking into what needed done to restore my front axle and I believe I came across a problem. It acts like the pinion is not meshing with the differential case gear. I pulled the drums off and was able to grab the end of the axles and spin them by hand. Everything there feels good, but the flange on the pinion does not turn. I then pulled the brakes, backing plate, knuckle, and axle from the passenger side. Everything looked good. When we spin the driver side axle I can look inside the pass side tube and see the splines rotating in opposite direction than driver side axle. I pulled the fill plug to look inside the differential. I can see the spider gears turning with the axle but not the main diff gear. I can spin the pinions flange by hand and it won’t turn the main diff gear either. I then tried to pull out the pinion assy. It comes out about a half an inch then binds up tight. So am I totally missing something, or do I just need to split the axle case and look inside ??

[steve1973]

I think you need to split the axle. Also, do you have a manual for this? They are very helpful. It'seems hard to say what is going on inside. Better to be safe than sorry.

[scotty71]

You will need to split the diff. You have to remove the crown gear before you can remove the pinion gear assembly as the end bearing on the pinion shaft will get caught on the crown gear if you try to remove it first. And the pinion gear / shaft will have to be installed first when rebuilding.

[TimG102]

I have been going by the TM 9-1710 Power Train and SNL ORD 9 manuals. I guess I was just nervous about splitting the axle if it was not needed. At least this way I can plan on changing the inner oil seals. Who has the best source for new gaskets and seals? Thanks

[Outsider]

If you are spinning the wheel on one side one way and the wheel on the other side is spinning in the opposite direction the pinion will not move. Only jack up one tire at a time and spin it and the pinion will have to move. If both tires are up it doesn't have to move. If the pinion is spun and the carrier doesn't spin then the pinion or ring gear is missing some teeth.

Steve

[col.halftrack]

 Just a note. The manuals I have are wrong in saying you can pull the pinion assembly without splitting the axle. There is a snap ring the holds the inner pinion bearing in place.

[TimG102]

Well I found the problem...More parts to add to the list.  I guess she had a harder life then I thought.

[Outsider]

Yep, The old missing teeth thing. That will cause that symptom every time.....Just remember it's only money.

Steve

[spec4don]

Ohhhhh........OUCH! 


Don G

[TimG102]

Thanks for all the help so far. I am starting to look around for a few parts. Does any one have any of the items listed below?

Differential and Pinion gears
both outer flanges C85757
all the gaskets

[Tapper02]

Ouch is right Don...you took the words right out of my mouth!

Well Tim, at least you found the issue.  Nothing more frustrating than not being able to determine what is wrong with something.  Good luck with the repairs and keep us posted.

-Tom

[steve-0]

i have some parts.

[bud44750]

out of that huge pile of axles would you happen to have an oil slinger. That's the one with many bolt holes that fits just inside the front axle and keeps any oil leaking from the front axle from getting on the brakes. sorry , I don't have access to the schematics right now or I'd give you a part number