SE Charlotte Wrenching Party - Beer and Food Provided!

[jkransbottom]

Hey All,

I just joined the group this evening and I'm looking for some help. My '77 Sport has been languishing in my garage with the backend up on stands for the past 9 months. I won't bore you with the personal trials and tribulations as to why this has happened, but I'm determined to get my rig back on the road asap.

It all started with a leaky seal on the rear housing so I broke everything down, drained the gear oil, installed a drain plug, put in new axle seals and bearings and installed all new drum brake hardware. Now, I've been stuck for months because I can't get the axles to insert all the way into the differential. I've tried it without the drive shaft installed, with it installed and in neutral, park, low, and reverse. I've tried installing the driver side first without the passenger side, the passenger side without the driver side, and even talked my wife into helping by turning one of the axles while I turned and pushed on the other (none of my guy friends are into cars in the least).

Anyway, I'm getting nowhere and am frustrated so anyone in the Charlotte area that's willing to lend a hand would be very much appreciated. I'll supply the food and drink (steaks and beer ok?) and I'd be more than willing to return the favor sometime.

I'm free tomorrow (Sunday 6/14) or next Friday evening or all day on Saturday (6/19 or 6/20). I really would appreciate the help and look forward to meeting some other Bronco enthusiasts in the area.

Thanks for looking.

Joel

[Timstrk]

I take it you're just reinstalling all of the original hardware. No new axles, carrier, etc. Are the bearings the hang-up? How far in do the axles go before they stop? There is no guide on the inside to line up the axle into the center section so the axle flange has to be manipulated to get them started. Just don't know what else to look for. None of this probably does any good and too far away to come by and look. Sorry

Tim

[jkransbottom]

Yeah, that's what's making this so dang frustrating is that I'm not adding anything new or different to the equation - just reinstalling the old parts. The only thing that's changed are the housing seals and the bearings, but I've double and triple checked those and they are definitely the correct parts.

Thanks for responding and let me know if you think of something else I should be trying.