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Something Just Broke

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Focker, Aug 19, 2014.

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  1. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    My son and I we're heading home from lunch and I thought it would be fun to let him drive. I pulled over and he took control. He had trouble with the whole clutch, brake & gas combo, after his 3rd stall he gunned it! CLUNK...Stall...We both looked at each other and I said something broke. I got out and told him to try again. What I could see was a spinning rear drive line with no forward momentum. I drove the 1/2 mile home in 4 Hi. The best I can tell is something in the rear 44 failed.

    I'm going to open it up but in the meantime I was hoping for some feedback. He feels awful but I think it's funny...Heck, it's 42 years old, I'm just glad we made it to lunch first!
     
    Focker, Aug 19, 2014
    #1
  2. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Busted an axle shaft, my guess. Not too tough a fix, if so.
     
    PeteL, Aug 19, 2014
    #2
  3. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    I can think of cooler stories for breaking an axle!

    I removed the differential cover and the gears look fine. What's the next step for diagnosis? I'm sorry...My noobness shows here.
     
    Focker, Aug 19, 2014
    #3
  4. Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep.. 2024 Sponsor

    Yep, time to pull an axle, most likely that old keyway gave up..


    Bubba
     
    Jeepenstein, Aug 19, 2014
    #4
  5. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I would jack up each rear wheel one at a time, spin it, and see what happens at the differential gears. The side that has no effect is the busted one.
     
    PeteL, Aug 19, 2014
    #5
  6. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Thank you!
     
    Focker, Aug 19, 2014
    #6
  7. Southtowns27

    Southtowns27 Custom Title

    Yep, sheared a key off in one of the rear hubs.
     
    Southtowns27, Aug 19, 2014
    #7
  8. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Thank for all the responses!

    I jacked up the right rear and spun the tire...The diff gears spin. Switched to the left rear and spun the tire...No effect on the diffs gears.

    What next?
    Do I work from the hub inward or do I have to tear down the differential?

    Roughly 10 years ago when I was looking for a Willys, I thought one of the sellers told me his spare was mounted to an extra hub assembly. Am I right in thinking he had an axle key etc. ready to go in the event he broke one? Great idea if so.
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2015
    Focker, Aug 19, 2014
    #8
  9. Heatseeker

    Heatseeker Member

    On the trail I carry a hub, a hub puller, a key and two spare rear axle(a long and a short)shafts. I haven't had a failure yet, but if I do, I'm ready.

    i would start by removing the hub and axle.
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2014
    Heatseeker, Aug 19, 2014
    #9
  10. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Disassemble from the outside in.
    I fixed the issue by going full float :)
    Not cheap though and if all you need is a hub, key, and possibly an axleshaft that might be the way to go for you.
     
    nickmil, Aug 19, 2014
    #10
  11. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Will I need any special tools?
     
    Focker, Aug 19, 2014
    #11
  12. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Yes - a hub puller (do a search covered a lot). The damn things can be a real issue.
     
    Warloch, Aug 19, 2014
    #12
  13. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor


    Very true, but only if the brake drum is not loose - try it first before buying a puller.
     
    PeteL, Aug 20, 2014
    #13
  14. Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    If you spin the wheel and the axle nut turns with it but the diff won't turn then you have a broken axle.
     
    Walt Couch, Aug 20, 2014
    #14
  15. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Tire removed.
    Brake Drum removed.
    Axle nut removed.

    If I spin the the hub, the axle threads spin with the hub but the differential does not.

    I'm having the same trouble as this guy - Rear Axle Removal
     
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2014
    Focker, Aug 20, 2014
    #15
  16. jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    if you dont have a puller you can bolt on a chain and cement block as a sort of slide hammer. I never tried it but sounds like it could work
     
    jeep2003, Aug 20, 2014
    #16
  17. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Since I'll have the rear hub assembly opened up, I'd like to have the wheel studs replaced with regular threads vs reverse threads. I know they did it for a reason but is it wise to change to non reverse?
     
    Focker, Aug 21, 2014
    #17
  18. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    A three-arm or five-arm puller bolted to the lugs is the best solution if the hub is really tight.
     
    PeteL, Aug 21, 2014
    #18
  19. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    It really makes no difference, but I suggest if you change the ones in back change the ones in front as well.

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 21, 2014
    #19
  20. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    The left rear is the only I have with left hand threads.

    Thanks
     
    Focker, Aug 21, 2014
    #20
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