Prepping Axles And Diffs For Paint

Frame is getting blasted and primed. I’m working in my axles and differentials so I can turn it into a roller.
Any tips for getting road grime out of places where a wire wheel won’t reach (see pic below)? Sand blasting was taking too long for the deep grime so I am saving that for right before priming.
Do I need a hub puller to take off the hubs, or is there a trick that doesn’t require a special tool?
What is this odd “scar” of the diff? Signs of alien life?!

 

I sprayed mine with degreaser (heavy) then used a power washer. Worked great.

 

I never clean and paint the differentials and axles, the paint won't hold up to the gear oil. I just clean and paint the axle housings

A 67 CJ5 would have tapered axles, and if you intend to remove the rear hubs you certainly do need the proper hub puller, there are no "tricks" worth a tinker's damn.

 

I'm pretty sure that mark on the casting is a date they set in the sand casting.

 

When I rebuilt my tapered axles, I was successful in removing the first hub with an air hammer on the shaft indent, but it didn't work on other side, and had to get the Proto hub puller out. Good luck, leave nut on the shaft, if not it will fly across shop!!

 

Yes, some kind of code.

I'd suggest a hot power wash on the axle tubes etc - but they will surface rust within minutes. Leaking grease and oil works for me, better than paint!

 

I wouldn't disassemble the flanges just for paint. Toss the assembly in the truck and head to the car wash. Grab some cans of oven cleaner while you are in town and soak the axle with oven cleaner at the car wash before using the pressure wand.

 

If you do decide to pull the hubs, to perhaps replace bearings and rebuild the brakes, DO NOT use an "air hammer" to remove the hubs, use the proper puller.

Here is one that will work, and at a fair price which is cheaper than replacing a ruined hub.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2952673698...MInbvi77GT-wIVWhXUAR05fgaVEAQYAiABEgK1cPD_BwE

 

Great info. Thanks.
Given your advice, I’m going to leave the rear hubs in place until I have a reason to service the rear axle. I am going to have to take off the front hubs because I’m doing a disc conversion after I get my frame rolling.

 

OldPappy are saying not to use the air hammer due to messing something up? When I used it, just a couple of bursts made it pop loose, no hard bursts. I tried a couple or bursts on driver side, but didn't get same result, so I got puller out. It seemed like the puller way was way more violent, but it came off. Just wondered.
Thanks, JT

 

I suppose it depends on what kind of puller you have, but I can't imagine a puller being way more violent than an air hammer.

I just like to use the right tool for the job, and yes I would be concerned about using an air hammer on my axles.

 

Wow. Thats pretty cheap for the correct type puller. I can usually get more than that for a good used one at a show.

I'm with pappy on using the puller rather than an air hammer. And no there type of puller will work without risk of damage to the hub. Plus it's fun to use the old tools to fix our old JEEPs. And, I've had one or two hubs come apart a little violently and had been using any other puller and not had the axle nut threaded on part way, I may have been sorry. Sometimes they just give a little "POP" when they break loose, other times it's a pretty good "CRACK." So far I've never heard a 'SNAP" which is a good thing because I'd really like Rice Crispies anyway.

 

I punted on pulling the rear hubs as most of you advised. I was able to get the hubs and backing plates pretty clean - probably as clean as they have been since 1968! I am planning to prime and paint them to reduce the development/progression of rust. I assume they can be painted as one unit with the axle housing without preventing axle rotation.
What do I do with the vent holes/week holes on the axle shafts when painting? I was planning to stick a small nail or cotter pin in the hole (bend so it doesn’t fall in) to keep it from getting painted shut. I would appreciate any ideas you guys have.