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1973 cj5 v8 rear axle

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by think369, Dec 6, 2009.

  1. nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Great find for $30!
     
  2. think369

    think369 Member

    thank you sir

    how much do you think that would be
     
  3. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Follow the link that was posted for Randy's. They have prices on their web site.
     
  4. think369

    think369 Member

    something like this
     
  5. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

  6. think369

    think369 Member

    right on the price seems reasonable...what would be involved in the install??
     
  7. 80cj

    80cj Member

    That black oil looks reminds me of OEM stuff. At least it doesn't look like it's water contaminated. I use paint thinner or mineral spirits to clean stuff with.
     
  8. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    I have not done this job, but the FSM has quite detailed instructions about it. The FSM specs a special tool; to me, Randy's tips are about doing it without the special tool. I have not studied the FSM section, but it looks to me like the difficult part is pre-loading the end spider gears so that the side spiders can go in. You need to push against the clutch pack... this is what the extra spider gears and C-clamp are about. Not certain what the big bolt is for.

    Depends on what your confidence level is. I'd try it, but I'm (overly?) confident of my ability to figure it out, once I know it can be done.
     
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2009
  9. think369

    think369 Member

    umm well yeah i probably wont replace the cluthes unless i put it under there and its no good. ill prolly just clean it up and put some new fluid in it and call it a day....

    now does anyone have a suggestion on cheap paint to use....was thinking of getting some rust converter from walmart auto section. or getting some rust converter rustoleum paint......i would wire brush it first, than prolly give it a good wipe down with some surface cleaner. does this sound alright...??

    o and maybe some black appliance paint would be a little more durable...??

    just looking for cheap and affective here.(poor college student)
     
  10. TeamRush

    TeamRush Member

    I would use mineral spirits in a spray jug, since mineral spirits will remove the crud, but leave a mild anti-rust coating on the gears and such.

    Brake cleaner will work, but you will have to do something immediately about rust if you use it,
    And make sure you work the gear lube into the side bearings on the differential before you drive the vehicle!
    (Small squirt can and turning the axles helps)
    You don't want a "Dry Start" on the bearings after something like brake cleaner!

    Once you clean up the differental case (Inside the housing) take some pictures.
    It doesn't look like a trac-lock, but I can't really tell with the camera angles you have.
    Try and flash one up in the ring gear so I can see if there are clutch tabs showing...
     
  11. HeepaJeep

    HeepaJeep New Member

    But if the diff cover has ever been off for any reason, the tag is likely long gone.
     
  12. think369

    think369 Member

    hey just thought of a question....

    i was taking a look at the my axle. and i spun the pinion gear or the little yoke not sure what to call it. (where the driveshaft bolts up). so while i was spinning i held one of the alxes. and the other one just spun. this would be a sign of an open differential wouldnt it??? or are the clutch's just worn out?? or do they need to spin at a certain speed to engage both wheels??

    thanks, Matt
     
  13. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    AFAIK the clutches will never wear enough so that you can turn against them by hand. If you can hold one wheel, turn the yoke, and the other wheel turns, then it's an open differential.
     
  14. think369

    think369 Member

    right on. looks like it will be welded than.(locked) i dont think thats to bad of an idea. i mean i paid thirty bucks.....if it breaks i can just put my old one back on there right?? =]
     
  15. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Locked is not welded. A locking differential only allows one wheel to turn faster than the other; ie it acts like a ratchet to let the outside wheel turn faster in a turn. A welded differential (so-called "Lincoln locker" after the Lincoln welder) welds the differential gears together so that the wheels must turn at the same speed; ie the tires scuff when you go around a corner.

    A limited slip differential (LSD) has clutches between the wheels, that allow some slippage when you go around a corner. The factory option is a LSD made by Dana called Trac-Lock - very common option.

    You won't be able to tell the difference between a locker, a LSD or welded by hand - you just can't apply enough force to the wheels to tell the difference. Take the cover off and look.
     
  16. think369

    think369 Member

    not sure what to look for when i take off the cover...
     
  17. trickpatrick

    trickpatrick Done? LOL

    I wouldnt weld a trakloc carrier by the way.
    they are not as strong as a regular carrier.

    FWIW
     
  18. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Welded is obvious.

    For the others, it's hard to describe. Post a pic and we can tell you what you have. - Never mind - it's a Track-Lock limited slip differential, shown above. Not a locker, not welded. Limited slip.
     
  19. think369

    think369 Member

    okay what im saying is that "i dont know what to look for in there":to tell if its a trac-lock....

    i could have sworn it says something about limited slip oil on the tag. so i thought it was a L/S.....but like i said i the spun the pinion. and held one wheel and the other spun. which would lead me to believe it is a open...

    so what im asking is...is it open or limited slip????... as in how do i look in the diff and tell if its a trac lock???

    and if it is an open diff than im just going to weld solid.....bit if its a trac lock than ill just leave it alone and roll with it.

    thanks, Matt


    EDIT***


    so how are you making this assumtion?? does the open dif look much different than the diff in my picture??
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2009
  20. jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    from your original pictures I'm guessing trac lok
    but it's hard for me to tell from the angle of the photo
    can you rotate and show the spider gear/open area of the carrier ?
    it's easier for me to tell you what you have than try to explain it to you.