Had a leaking axle seal and so am replacing them and the bearings also while I've got everything apart.

While cleaning the axles before reinstalling I noticed that the o-rings that are in the c-clip groove machined into the axles were in different positions. One, the drivers side long axle, was near the end of the axle (up, if the axle is standing on it's lug bolts), and the short axles o-ring was down. One of these may have moved during removal.

What is the function of these o-rings? And where should they properly go? Should they go towards the end of the axles, thereby pressing the c-clip into the groove that is machined into the gears that the splines fit into? That's my guess (my manual does not go into that level of detail and there is no picture to look at), but I could be totally wrong.

I noticed no special groove (subgroove?) in the c-clip groove that the o-rings would fit into. Both they and the c-clips seem to occupy the same notch in the axle.

Anybody know? I really don't want to make any expensive or dangerous mistakes.

Thanks and I'll appreciate any info.

Am trying to get this done before it states raining again (Fla.)

Rob

 

I have the '91 Ford Truck Shop Manuals and...
I don't see any o-rings in the exploded views for 8.8's. :/
Just on the Ford version of a free floating hub.

Alvin in AZ

 

I just had mine apart a couple weekends ago, and there were no o-rings in the c-clip grooves. I have no idea what purpose an o-ring would serve there anyway. Maybe a previous owner put them in there to reduce in-and-out play on the axles?

 

The O-ring sits in the groove and then the C clip fits over the O-ring which will hold the C lock in place while you reinstall the axle.

The C lock keeps the axle from moving outward. The pinion shaft keeps the axle from moving inward.

Here's the description from the service manual.

Slide the axle shafts into place in the axle housing. Exercise care so that the splines or any portion of the axle shafts do not damage the oil seals.
Push the shafts inboard enough to allow installation of the C lock.

Install the axle shaft C locks on the button end of the axle shafts and push the shafts outboard so the shaft lock seats in the counter bore of the differential side gear.

Note: A rubber O-ring is used to hold the C lock in position on the axle shaft. Be sure that the O-ring is in the groove at the button end of the axle shaft before installing the C lock.

 

I have never seen them, nor used them, nor needed them.

I hope you bought the axle bearing/seal combo. the one that rides on a different part of the axle shaft.

 

Ahhh... there it is... 05-02G-24. :)
Cool, thanks. :)

I haven't read the 8.8 section that closely yet.
But will when I get around to fixing-up my 3L55 8.8. ;)

Alvin in AZ

 

What is so hard about putting the "c"clip in, then pushing the axle out into the spider gear? I could see if you could not push the axle back to "hold " the c clip but

 

Thanks for the replies, fellas.

I probably should have been more specific about which type rear end I was talking about. It's the '92 Flareside in my sig, which uses mostly F-150 parts. It has the semi-floating ball bearing type (says my Haynes 1980 - 1996 Ford Pickup and Bronco manual, but they are really cylindrical roller bearings but straight, not tapered. Standard 2wd bearings, I'm assuming.)

Chapter 8, sec 17 describes things much as F150xlt reported but no mention was made of which side of the c-clip the o-ring was supposed to go. I appreciate that clarification.
That groove is quite a bit wider that the c-clip and would allow for some play if not for the o-ring. It makes sense that the o-ring should be at the button end which would serve to press the c-clip into the counter bore of the differential gears (a much better description than mine) and keeping the c-clip from possibly being slung off during operation, I guess.

And I did buy the good National bearings and seperate seals, cleaned the tubes, emory clothed the bearing and seal tube surfaces, and used serious cleanliness when installing the new parts. Lubed, greased, and permatexted by the book.

It's pouring so am out of gas for now. Had my plastic garbage bags ready, though, and covered the openimngs.

Thanks again, guys.

Rob

 

Chapter 8, sec 17 describes things much as F150xlt reported but no mention was made of which side of the c-clip the o-ring was supposed to go. I appreciate that clarification.

Slide the axle in, put the O ring on and then the clip. (O ring goes between the gear and clip).