P.S. 35 Axle Question

[reno]

Ok, so I started today with replacing my axle. Seems when I get it in and replace the spindle, the axle is jammed. I can't turn it by hand, what to look for?

 

[pillen140]

is it in 4wd?

 

[reno]

No, just put the axle in, then the spindle, then bolted the spindle. After that, with no rotor,locknuts on or anything, I tried to turn the axle at the spindle, would not budge. Then i wrapped an rag around the teeth to protect them and used vise grips and tried, it would turn with resistance. Then I turned the drive shaft, only the driver side axle would move (guess limited slip- needs torque to turn passenger side?).

 

[rickcdewitt]

your truck diden't come factory with a LS in the front.and if it did have one both axleshafts would turn the same speed

 

[reno]

it alsways has done this, but a 4 wheels do lock. I tested this once by locking it in 4wd lo, then punching the gas, All 4 were spinning.

 

[pillen140]

they might all spin, but at different speeds. swapping power between them. maybe a ujoint is froze? putting the axle at a different angle may have made it easy to turn when not located in place? idk

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

pull the spindle back off and try spinning the axle while pushing it into the diff. if it spins freely then the problem is at the spindle end...if not, its at the diff. end.

we know its not inside the diff since turning the driveshaft turns the drivers side axle...so something is binding on the passenger side shaft with the spindle on.

 

[metalmacguyver]

I have noticed that the inner PS U joint likes to get stiff. Perhaps that is where it is binding up?

 

[reno]

I just can't figure this out. I get my new seal tomorrow after 1pm, A.Z. had none in stock. I pulled the replacement axle and compared it to the original axle, I seen no difference in size or shape (except the replacement axle has rock solid teeth). Does the axle need to be slipped in the slip joint a certain way to seat completely? The axle seems to be seated all the way but like you said, seems to be binding, but I just dont see what it is binding for.

 

[reno]

I have noticed that the inner PS U joint likes to get stiff. Perhaps that is where it is binding up?

Although I would agree that a stiff u-joint will be hard to turn, the u-joints seem fairly new and move freely, it is like is is binding, without the spindle, it moves easily but bolt the spindle on, and very hard to turn by hand, have to use vise grips unlike the driverside turns easy- but with a little effort and no vise grips.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

if memory serves, the slip joint is keyed, so it will only go together one way.

 

[reno]

if memory serves, the slip joint is keyed, so it will only go together one way.

So that means under torque, BOTH wheel turn the same direction?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

huh? no this means you cant put the two passenger side axle shafts together wrong because they will only go one way.

both wheels turn in the same direction because of your differential...

 

[reno]

OK, I see what you mean now, I am tired hurting and on vicadin for the pain hee hee, and yes is it prescribed by a doctor, no illegal drugs here, have 3 rupurted discs.

But I seen no key way, just all teeth. On another note, someone that had the truck before took a piece of C-channel 1/4" steel and placed it below the Coil spring for a little more lift.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

maybe it was the front driveshaft that was keyed....aww i dont remember.

now that youve taken the axle apart, make sure you put it back together with the u-joints in phase.