Axle problem in 1978 f250

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Mar 20, 2005 | 09:38 PM

JTdesert

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Axle problem in 1978 f250

Hello,
Did a brake job on the rear of my '78 f250. Problem is, the axles won't go back in all the way. They hit something with about an inch to go. Also, the passenger's side axle's spline is a quarter inch shorter than the driver's side. Looks like it broke off. But neither axle goes back in. This isn't the original rfear end, it came from a wrecker. Thanks, JT

Mar 21, 2005 | 03:13 PM

andym

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From: Bonita Springs FL

I'm guessing it's a Dana 60 or better.

Can you take the rear cover off and see what they're getting hung up on?

Mar 22, 2005 | 11:12 PM

JTdesert

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Took the cover off, couldn't see what the problem is. We'll be removing the gears soon. JT

Mar 24, 2005 | 07:34 AM

RTM

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From: Sunny Florida

it sounds like you have a trac loc rear axle and one of the inner or outer spider gears for the trac loc has moved and is no longer lined up with the gear it's next two. So with the splines of the gears not lined up you can not get the axle in. Try tapping on the axle and or hold the other axle from rotating and rotate the axle you are having trouble with and at the same time tap it. The rotation is to get the trac loc gears to line up again.

If this is the case and you do have a trac loc I would question why the gears feel out of alignment. This is more common after a trac loc rebuild not when removing and reinstalling axles.

Mar 24, 2005 | 09:48 AM

JTdesert

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Took it apart. There's a roll pin (like on a rachet wrench) that was causing the hold up. Took the roll pin out and reassembled. Any danger in doing this? Thanks, JT

Mar 24, 2005 | 03:08 PM

RTM

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From: Sunny Florida

That roll pin hold the spider gear shaft in place. I would try to make sure everything is in place. I would drive it like this until I knew for sure this roll pin did not come from anything important and if it is from that axle it is important.