Opening up wheels/brakes/axles for projects, could use some parts selection help

[eightynine4x4]

On a side note, I have a limited slip… is there a different layout regarding the two C clips that the TRS guide (linked in #3 post here) shows in that differential? More or fewer pieces to undo, after the pin is out? I’m very new to differentials.
And when the instructions say to rotate the “carrier” in neutral and the pin will come out, what is the carrier? Am I just turning the axle by hand again and somehow the unbolted pin will push itself out somewhere?

 

[Uncle Gump]

does it have the rounded or sharp angles?

for those tough bolts, get out of the box.

It looks to have the typical Snap On patented corners...

 

[eightynine4x4]

Well I’ve rented a bearing puller / slide hammer so am ready once I get the 5/16 nut out.
Question though.. how do the front bearings and seals relate to the rears in regards to removal/install? Same tools?

 

[eightynine4x4]

Ok so I’ve got the bolt out, but the cross pin is more complicated to drop out than I thought.
Also, I’ve got these S shaped clamps or something stuffed in there. In videos I’ve watched of this process, these weren’t there and there was nothing in there at all. It’s blocking my access to the C clips so I’m not sure how to proceed. Or maybe these are some kind of combo clip and I just pull them out?
Any suggestions from here?

 

[don4331]

You need to get the pin out 1st. It looks like you have it started, you just need to pull it the rest of the way out. Then you should be able to rotate the spider gears out. Then you will be able to twist the "Z" spring to position you can pull it out (I think I user long punch to pry and cover it with rag, so when it releases it doesn't go into low orbit).

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Pretty sure the S spring means you have a limited slip.

 

[eightynine4x4]

You need to get the pin out 1st. It looks like you have it started, you just need to pull it the rest of the way out. Then you should be able to rotate the spider gears out. Then you will be able to twist the "Z" spring to position you can pull it out (I think I user long punch to pry and cover it with rag, so when it releases it doesn't go into low orbit).

The pin doesn’t come all the way out because it’s wider up at the top end of it, which causes it to catch the larger vertical gear on the left.
I suppose I can try rotating the whole thing 180 degrees and pushing pin other direction.
These Z springs scare me. I mean what is their purpose and how precisely do I need to take note of their installation?

 

[don4331]

I was thinking it looked like it should pass your ring gear (the larger vertical one on left). With higher numerical ratios - i.e 4.56 or 5.13, there is usually a tooth ground enough to slip the pin past (or sufficient flat spot on the cross pin). If there isn't one needs to carefully grind a tooth or 2 to slip the pin out.

The Z spring preloads the clutch packs for the limited slip.

You don't need to worry about position now, but when you reinstall the spider gears, you will need to get both started at same time, so they line up to install the cross pin. A little frustrating, but colourful language usually gets it to work. i.e. threatening to replace it with S-10.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Uth

I was thinking it looked like it should pass your ring gear (the larger vertical one on left). With higher numerical ratios - i.e 4.56 or 5.13, there is usually a tooth ground enough to slip the pin past (or sufficient flat spot on the cross pin). If there isn't one needs to carefully grind a tooth or 2 to slip the pin out.

The Z spring preloads the clutch packs for the limited slip.

You don't need to worry about position now, but when you reinstall the spider gears, you will need to get both started at same time, so they line up to install the cross pin. A little frustrating, but colourful language usually gets it to work. i.e. threatening to replace it with S-10.

Ugh, yeah that’s not fun sounding.
But here’s a guy who pulled his axle shafts without removing the pin. Skip to about 5:00..

Cant I just first get the Z springs out, then follow this guys method?
When I pull the Z springs, am I suddenly causing a gear mess?

 

[don4331]

Unfortunately, he has an open differential, much easier. You have a limited slip and that Z spring is held in position by the cross pin.

I'm not sure if after rotating out one of the spiders you would have enough space to move the Z spring enough to pull the c-clips. (I've always filled the differential with rags and went at it with the dremel - removing just enough to get the pin out.

 

[don4331]

p.s. It is worth replacing the bolt holding the cross pin in place. Yours has slightly rounded head and if that bolt ever breaks bad things happen real quick.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Unfortunately, he has an open differential, much easier. You have a limited slip and that Z spring is held in position by the cross pin.

I'm not sure if after rotating out one of the spiders you would have enough space to move the Z spring enough to pull the c-clips. (I've always filled the differential with rags and went at it with the dremel - removing just enough to get the pin out.

Ok. I guess I’ll have to dremel it.
I wish I understood how the pin relates to everything.. as of now, as soon as I pushed the pin down a bit, it has not been possible to push it fully back into normal position to refasten it with retaining bolt. It gets close, maybe 1/4” or so remaining, but hits a brick wall. CLICK. It’s not like it’s stubborn and getting tighter, it’s fully in motion until it hits an absolute stop. I’ve tried subtly adjusting its rotation many many times but it is totally a brick wall. So I’m thoroughly confused about how the pin works. How does it “hold” the Z clips in place? Maybe I’m butting up against a Z clip now?

Note taken about replacing retaining bolt.

 

[don4331]

I had some parts to show @Lefty as he was planning to add limited slip, but "spare" axles are at the farm, so I can't do a quick video for you.

I'm thinking the edge of the pin is either coming up against the edge of the spider gear or carrier - they are usually trying to alternatively fall our either one side or the other of the carrier, never really had issues with them getting stuck.*

*Caveat - I've had cases where the retaining pin was broken and the broken piece wouldn't come out and wouldn't let the cross pin come out.

 

[Roert42]

 

[Roert42]