Rear axel shaft removal

[sanders7981]

I am in the process of getting the charger ready for a four disc conversion and cannot get the rear axels off to remove the drum brakes.  They are supposed to slide out once unbolted right? 

[flyinlow]

I assume 8 3/4 axle. Yes they should pull out after the 5 nuts are removed. The foam gasket can stick. Or they where RTV sealed. Have had to use a slide hammer on stubborn ones to break loose.

[cudaken]

 Sanders, the term slid is a tad miss leading but technically they do. Trick I was shown was to put the brake drum on backwards and just start the lug nuts a tad. You then can use the drum as a slide hammer.

Cuda Ken

[sanders7981]

Correct... 8 3/4 rear.  I will try the slide hammer tomorrow... Hopefully I can borrow one from autozone or something.

[69dodge383]

Unbolt and use a slide hammer. Thats how I got my 8 3/4 apart..

[sanders7981]

Slide hammer got it.... Thanks guys. I am now considering changing my bearings while they are out.  40+ years of grime and wear...  Time to go green!  Dr Diff will be getting a call on Monday!

[flyinlow]

 

Two camps on the axle bearings. The tapered rollers if greased regularly and adjusted  will last a long time, but few rear disk brake kits can use them. Green bearing are simpler ,no maintenance, until they go bad and more disk kit choices.

I have greenbearings with my rear disk.  30K. + miles so far.