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| | | | Joined: May 2003 Posts: 183 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2003 Posts: 183 | I had to remove the rear axle shafts on my 1952 Chevy 3100 so I could replace the outer wheel bearings and oil seals. That went pretty smoothly but when I went to put that rectangular spacer block back in the differential it doesn’t seem to fit. I had no problem slipping the C clips back on the ends of the axle shafts and then I pushed the shafts back out towards the wheels with my fingers but there just doesn’t seem to be enough space to slip the spacer block back in. Do I need to be more forceful or have I done something wrong? I still have the brake drums and wheels off so they can’t be the issue.
My dad always told me, "Don't force it, get a bigger hammer".
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,776 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,776 | BillyDon,
According to "Step 8" on Page 4-3 of the Shop Manual you are supposed to "Pry shafts apart so that "C" washers are seated in counterbore in differential side gears and install pinions."
Step 9 says "Select axle shaft spacer to give free fit to .014" maximum clearance between ends of axle shaft and the spacer (fig. 5)."
My guess would be you need to use more than finger force to push the axle shafts back out.
BTW - The shop manual after "Step 8" says "CAUTION: Exercise care to avoid scratching or damaging inner ends of shaft."
Hope this helps out?
Dan
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | The block is not perfectly square. You may have the wrong sides facing the axles.
George
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 10,997 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 10,997 | The block is not perfectly square. You may have the wrong sides facing the axles.
George I believe that it will only go in one way, since there's a hole that the spider shaft goes thru. He just has to pry the axle shafts farther out. If the block came out, it will go back in.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: May 2003 Posts: 183 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2003 Posts: 183 | I looked at the spacer block and it has obvious circular shiny spots on the sides that face the axle shafts. I cut a couple of wooden wedges and tapped them in between the rear wheel cylinders and the end of the axle shafts. That did the trick - the spacer slid right into place.
Thanks everyone.
My dad always told me, "Don't force it, get a bigger hammer".
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,776 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,776 | Billydon, Thanks for coming back and letting us know about your solution and results of your work.  Dan
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
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