Guys,

I'm having chromoly axle shafts and gears put in my Jeep. The guys had a heck of a time removing the rear shafts. They sayit appears that the passenger shaft is rubbing my housing (or at least the rear gear oil was black and looks cooked on that shaft). I don't have pics just yet because I haven't been to the shop. I don't want to by a high-dollar axle. Any suggestions??

I'm in Raleigh and guess I will call around but if there are options, let me know asap.

Thanks,

Scooby

 

Well, try a straight edge on the tube as a first step. Best option would be an alignment bar. Or, put it back together and put it on an alignment rack. That will show rear toe and possibly indicate if the housing is bent.

Assuming it is, you can probably find a nice Rubicon rear axle for less than the cost of the regear and shafts. In fact, I know I just saw a post somewhere of a nice Rubi axle with 4.88s. I want to say it was around $1500.

 

Rubitrux is down your way, aren't they? They should be able to get ahold of an axle for you.

 

If it is bent, and you don't want to replace, you can pay the hourly rate to have them straighten it. And then if you want some extra insurance, you can buy a truss and pay to have them weld it on.

May be cheaper to buy a new stock housing, or a used take-off axle.

 

Thanks guys... It's a long story but I really don't think the axle is bent. I think the guys pulling the axle underestimated the force required to remove the shafts. My son works at the shop and said he doesn't believe it's bent. I called East Coast Gear Supply and described to them the scenario and he felt that if it was bent I would notice it in the drivability of the Jeep. Anyways, he told me to have them go ahead with the axle swap and gears. I will take it over and he can check it for me but his experience tells him it's not going to be a big deal.

I will keep you informed.

 

When I replaced my rear shafts, they had to pry them to start them. I mean, it didn't take too much but they did need to "force" it a little. But, if you find out it is bent and locate an axle fairy, fill me in! I'm looking for a Rubi front!

 

Agree. First time pulling the rear shafts takes some good effort.

 

That's why they invented slide hammers.