I may be a newbie to this forum but not a newbie to forums themselves. I apologize if i dont type proper but sometimes(most of the time) I am in a hurry. I don't use texting language i just have problems using key boards of any sort...Thanks for the info though.

 

That may just be corret....I can't tell for sure, but looking at the original picture it looks like the bearing retainer is still bolted to the housing. Which would mean the axle slid right through.

 

It does look that way, but it's hard to tell because it gets so pixalated (sp?) when enlarged. If that is the case, then it would be the bearing retainer slipped (or cracked and split), letting the whole works come out.

I have seen 9" axles break, but never seen the bearing and retainer come off the axle. I guess anything is possible.

 

I have a close up picture i will post in thirty minutes. I just got to get on my laptop.

 

Okay here is a close up of the back plate after it happened.

 

FWIW, and it really does not apply if we are talking a 9er, BUT, those C-clip eliminator kits are for CARS only. Last I checked, there are none for trucks.

I looked at all the kits listed in the link. Cars only, with custom axles in several cases.

 

The same 8.8 clip (C7AZ-4N237-A) was also used in 1967/80 Passenger Cars w/the WER 8.7 axle / 7.5 axle installed in Fairmont/Zephyr, Mustang/Capri, Ranger/Bronco II and etc.

 

Yes, but the C-clip eliminators replace the axle bearings with press-fit bearing similar to the old 8/9" axles used. There's two sizes of bearing for an 8.8, aftermarket part numbers are 5707 and 6808. The latter fit the 31 spline axles (8.8), the former for the 28 spline 8.8 and 7.5 axles.
Then you can toss those c clips where they belong, in the garbage.

FWIW, many GM axles also use that 5707 bearing (10 bolt). Never been a fan of them, never will be.



As for the newer pic, yep, the bearing retainer is still in place. I bet the axle bearing was replaced, and either the "lock ring" was left off, or it cracked as it was pressed into place. The bearing is not as tight of a fit, and the lock ring is what holds it in place.
Racers will go a step further, applying a couple small tack welds on the axle/lock ring. This keeps the lock ring from coming off, even if it cracks. It's amazing how much force can be applied to the lockring in a hard corner, with enough traction from race tires.

 

Thanks everyone for the info, the truck is back up and running with out any new problems so far. I went to a pick a part and bought me an axle shaft and complete brake assembly from a late 70s ford for 35 dollars total.

 

Nice!!! Glad you got it all back together and on the road.

You get a door while you were there?