TheViking

Has anyone attempted to use a pneumatic hammer with a bearing/race driver to install these?

mstrofpuppets

Installed 3 sets of these. We used a brass race driver and a 8 lb sledge. Freeze and lube helped a little. The biggest thing that helped was cleaning the tubes really well. If you have an older jk make sure to clean the first couple of inches of the tube since it may have rust build up. Not sure about using pneumatic tools though.

TheViking

Thanks for the info. I will be sure to do that. Anyone used a pneumatic hammer for the install out there?

Maertz

Good info! Im doing this soon as well and hope it goes simply...

k0260

do you need to drain the diff? I have my Nitro sleeves just sittin waiting for me to get it done.

Surf City Dan

You do not have to drain the diff. Clean the stock axle tube good and use a product like PB Blaster lubricant or Wd. Its a bitch to hammer them in but they will go. The short drivers side went in easier for me. Even the passenger tube goes in pretty smooth till you get to the knurles or ridges on the Nitro Tubes. Its just the last 4 or 5 inches thats a pain.

k0260

okay thanks, that's what I figured. Yeah I've seen that most people installing these say the same thing about the knurled ends being the toughest point for install.

TheViking

That's what I've heard. A couple have mentioned taking a Dremel to the first two inches of the outer portion of the axle tube. I guess there is a small ridge in there from welding when they manufactured them. Thanks for the tips.

familytime

When i hosted a install party to do 5+ sleeves on a weekend,several ideas came up including a jackhammer due amount of effort to drive them in.In all,i custom built a tool to drive them in plus a 20lb BFH made life easy

TheViking

I've seen the video you guys put together. Nice job! I don't have any welding experience to make such a tool however.