Rebuilding the rear end

Darrman · Post by **Darrman** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:24 pm

I pulled the whole axle out this weekend and started the long task of stripping it for paint and so I can crack it open without getiing a ton of dirt inside.
Ok, here is what I know, its the stock 9 inch, 3.50 ratio, lotta miles on it, dont know exactly how many tho. The vent tube was ripped off at the nipple, which resulted in getting it plugged with dirt, which then blew one of the housing seals out. When I pulled the brake hose/vent off, it pulled a good vacuum with it, sounded like a snake hissing.
The thing leaks oil bad, as before, from one of the two housing seals, or both. THe pinion seal does not leak, nor do the wheel seals. The oil inside is a scary dark gray color, but still has plenty in it.
So all that said, should I just do a seal refresh, or a total rebuild? I do not know how yet, but would like to learn. I do not plan to change gears, unless they old ones are worn out.
Also, first things first, how do you take the pumpkin out, do you need to pull the shafts first?
Thanks for any help!

MadMaxetc · Post by **MadMaxetc** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:14 pm

You are on the right track with cleaning it first.

You will need to pull the axles out the get the pumkin out.

I just did this on mine that was in the same condition as yours.

Pumkin and Axles out, cran it realy good. Paint. Then install new bearings and seals (For the bearings you will need a BIG press (5ton)) on the axles. Check the pumpkin and gears to make sure they are OK (most likely are fine) then just put it back together. I would do all new brakes and be sure to fix the vent problem.

Good luck!

1971ford · Post by **1971ford** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:16 pm

ooooo im about to do all this

hurry up so i can see how its done

nah, take your time. im going to do it reeeeal slow...

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:11 am

gray oil is a sign of mositure. sice the vent was plugged that why it had mositure in it i'm guessing. the pinion seal can be replaced by taking the yoke off. i think you can just replace the seal on it without having to reset the lash. but i have never changed one so i dont know.

basketcase0302 · Post by **basketcase0302** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 4:59 am

Darrman,

(For the bearings you will need a BIG press (5ton)) on the axles.

A word of advice, don't attempt this unless you have really big...well I hope you get the point!
"Pressed-on" axle shaft bearings on 9" Ford axles can be dangerous.
Even after "torching" the outer case of the bearing off it's still dangerous.
IMO you should leave the axle bearings to the machine shop which usually only charges like $35 per bearing to do this.

Basketcase

MadMaxetc · Post by **MadMaxetc** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:59 pm

basketcase0302 wrote:Darrman,

(For the bearings you will need a BIG press (5ton)) on the axles.
A word of advice, don't attempt this unless you have really big...well I hope you get the point!
"Pressed-on" axle shaft bearings on 9" Ford axles can be dangerous.
Even after "torching" the outer case of the bearing off it's still dangerous.
IMO you should leave the axle bearings to the machine shop which usually only charges like $35 per bearing to do this.

Basketcase

Yes, always stay within you risk zone. I say risk zone because if you never took a "risk"/did something new, you would never learn.

I have done these before and have the right tools, so I think of it as a low risk, but if you don't know exactly what to do and don't have the right tools, take it to someone who does.

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:17 pm

i got hit in the mouth with a ball bearing one time when we were pressing off a bearing from an axle. it exploded. good thing it was suppose to be coming off. i had a hole in my lower lip for a while.

Darrman · Post by **Darrman** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 12:42 am

I will definitly be getting someone else to replace the bearings, I dont have a press big enough.
How do you pull the shafts on these axles, do they have c-clips?
Also, were can I buy a quality complete rebuild kit?
Thanks!

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 12:49 am

to pull the axels you have to remove the brake drum . on the axel flange is a hole i think it is a 3/4 deep socket that goes in the hole there are four bolts that hold the axle flange to the housing. remove those bolt and the axle will pull out.

67mann · Post by **67mann** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 5:37 am

Other than its apart,if the axle(wheel bearing)doesn't have any play to it or doesn't leak---why change it. Just a Q or an observation for my own knowledge. I had mine apart and didn't,but I don't plan on a daily driver either.I did however change the pinion seal(leaked like a sive)and wasn't told about any "lash"---would like some more input on that.I needed a slide hammer to get the axles out

MadMaxetc · Post by **MadMaxetc** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 1:12 pm

67mann wrote: Other than its apart,if the axle(wheel bearing)doesn't have any play to it or doesn't leak---why change it. Just a Q or an observation for my own knowledge. I had mine apart and didn't,but I don't plan on a daily driver either.I did however change the pinion seal(leaked like a sive)and wasn't told about any "lash"---would like some more input on that.I needed a slide hammer to get the axles out

He said his seals are leeking so he does need to pull the axles. Might as well clean it all out if you have it that far.

As for the slide hammer, if you have one use it. I don't so I fliped the drum around and put the nuts back on a little, then used it like a slide hammer. Only took 4 pulls to get it out.

Darrman · Post by **Darrman** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 11:40 pm

Thanks for the info, I am going to tear into it this weekend. I had all new rear brake hose/lines bent up today, whatta deal, three steel lines and the rubber hose with clips, all for $68 total, stuff looks great!
Bad news, the vent is probably toast, I cleaned it out real good, but I cant get any air to pass through it. I am going to try using the compressor tomorrow, but after that I guess its time for a trip to the junkyard again (been a long time).

basketcase0302 · Post by **basketcase0302** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:46 am

Darrman,

the vent is probably toast, I cleaned it out real good, but I cant get any air to pass through it.

I'd had them so neglected and so clogged before that I had to drill them out!

Basketcase

F100builder · Post by **F100builder** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:08 am

If you are replacing the pinion seal, you should reassemble with a new crush sleeve and pinion nut! Your lash should be fine if it was fine before as you don't need to pull the actual pinion gear/shaft out and disturb the shims. However, when reassembling, the proper bearing preload is needed and you need a good breaker bar with appropriate socket and an INCH-pound torque wrench. I highly recommend this guy's DVD's: http://www.badshoeproductions.com/ I think he's retired now but was a Ford master technician.
I got his 9" Ford rebuild video when I rebuilt my first 9" and it made it incredibly easy. I'd like to get his transmission DVD too.

67mann · Post by **67mann** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:42 am

THX for the input---F100---I just might hook up on that DVD---someday I may want to switch to 2wheel peel and it would be helpful to know what I was getting into.

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