8 3/4 passenger side axleshaft removal

[richf]

Hi guys, I've been working on converting my 68 to rear disc brakes, and have had to pull the axleshafts to mount the brackets. The driver's side axleshaft was a piece of cake, but the passenger side will not come out. I know this side has the end play adjuster, and I removed the small lock already. The axleshaft now has about .25 inch endplay. The flange and drum backing plate are not seized to the studs, they seem to be loose. So why won't the shaft come out? I've been using the "drum mounted backwards as a slide hammer" trick to no avail.

[A383Wing]

probably the bearing race is stuck in the housing end.....you either need a bigger hammer, or actually get a real slide hammer tool to persuade the axle to come out.....you can rent them for free at most auto part stores

(are you sure you got all the flange nuts off?)

[richf]

Yup I got all the flange nuts off, that was my first thought! I'll go rent a slide hammer soon, hopefully that'll work

[BLK 68 R/T]

Piece of chain will work as a makeshift slide hammer if you have some? Just throw a wrap around the axle behind the flange and give it a good jerk with some slack in the chain.

[John_Kunkel]

The axleshaft now has about .25 inch endplay.

Is that with the driver's side shaft removed? If so, reinstall the driver's side shaft and give it a good rap with a heavy hammer, that might shock the passenger side axle loose.

[richf]

The .25 endplay was indeed with the driver's side axleshaft still installed. I rented a slide hammer, and after about ten minutes the damn axleshaft finally came out, the bearing and race were rusted to each other. Thanks for the help guys!

[John_Kunkel]

If you have that much end play with both axles installed, the Sure-Grip (if equipped) thrust button may have fallen out.

[richf]

I have 2.76 open diff (hopefully not for much longer), and I've since reinstalled the axleshafts and the endplay is now within specs again. I think the .25 endplay on the passenger shaft was just the race stuck and preventing full removal of the shaft. I really appreciate all your help guys!