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More Proof Jeeps Hate me!

moab_cj5

moab_cj5

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Location
The Village of Kay
Well, my axles showed up today (finally!), and I got them installed tonight, but, I hit a new snag. The new stub shafts are bigger and beefier than the stock ones, especially around the u joints. The problem now is that the stub shafts hit the bolts that hold the unit bearings on the knuckles. So, I either need to buy new bolts that have less of a washer around the head, or grind down my factory bolts to clear the new stub shafts.

Unfortunately, I didn't discover the issue until I had replaced both sides and was tightening the nut on the DS shaft. It was binding really bad. Being tired, it took me a while to figure out what was binding, but finally saw the issue. I tore both sides apart again, and I hope my new ball joints show up tomorrow so I can put it all back together for the last time. I also removed my drag link in anticipation of my new flip bushing showing up tomorrow with my ball joints. My new drag link showed up the week I ordered it. I am a little miffed it has taken so long for my other parts to show up. Oh well though. Nothing I can do about it now.

I am hoping Lowes or Home Depot has the bolts I need, but if not, any suggestions on where to look locally tomorrow?

Here are some pics I snapped of the shafts:

The new shaft next to the old shaft. The old shaft is missing the cap on the u joint, the cause of my troubles... The new shafts are definitely beefier around the u joint, but I can't see a material difference beyond that. I am going to call Dana Spicer tomorrow and try to find out if these are indeed chromoly shafts, or simply upgraded stock shafts with more beef around the u joints. The u joints are supposed to be stronger than stock, but they appear to be smaller. I hope they are stronger!

2014-01-13 21.25.30.jpg

2014-01-13 23.52.21.jpg


A closer look at the damaged stub shaft.

2014-01-13 21.25.37.jpg

2014-01-13 21.26.05.jpg

I assume this is the vibration I felt:

2014-01-13 21.26.15.jpg

The shaft was rubbing on the sleeve since the missing cap allowed the shaft to move more than normal.
 
DAA

DAA

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Location
West Bountiful, UT
I haven't messed with any JK stuff, so probably shouldn't even comment. But I know that on some types of axle installs on the TJ, you need to clearance those flanges on the unit bearing bolts by simply grinding a crescent out of them. The one set of RCV's I helped install we had to do that. But I think RCV's come with new bolts with smaller flanges now - so if all else fails, you might be able to source some new bolts from them or maye Poly Performance or someone like that.

- DAA
 
moab_cj5

moab_cj5

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Location
The Village of Kay
DAA said:
I haven't messed with any JK stuff, so probably shouldn't even comment. But I know that on some types of axle installs on the TJ, you need to clearance those flanges on the unit bearing bolts by simply grinding a crescent out of them. The one set of RCV's I helped install we had to do that. But I think RCV's come with new bolts with smaller flanges now - so if all else fails, you might be able to source some new bolts from them or maye Poly Performance or someone like that.

- DAA
Click to expand...

RCV's do come with new bolts now. I took mine to the bench grinder and modified them a little. My new ball joints are supposed to arrive tomorrow. I broke a Harbor Freight press tonight trying to get one of them out. Is there a trick to getting them out?
 
BCGPER

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
Get the press tight, then smack the end of the bolt with a BFH. The joint should move some. Retighten the press. And smack again.

And yes, you can borrow my press.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk



Ok, box empty now (couldn't do it from my phone).
 
Last edited:
moab_cj5

moab_cj5

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Location
The Village of Kay
I just finished swapping the ball joints and installing the new axles. what a pita! I will drop it off for another alignment later today and have them install my new drag link and flip kit. then I hope to just enjoy it for the next little while...
 
moab_cj5

moab_cj5

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Location
The Village of Kay
BCGPER said:
Get the press tight, then smack the end of the bolt with a BFH. The joint should move some. Retighten the press. And smack again.

And yes, you can borrow my press.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk



Ok, box empty now (couldn't do it from my phone).
Click to expand...

I can't thank you enough for letting me borrow your press, and for the advice. it took some persuasion, but I got all 4 out with the tighten then smack with hammer approach. I owe you one!
 
moab_cj5

moab_cj5

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Location
The Village of Kay
After 4 weeks, waiting on parts, returning parts that were wrongs, lots of cussing, a little money, and tons of frustration, the Jeep is back on the road! Props to Synergy though. The first Drag Link they sent me was too long and would allow me to center my steering wheel. I called them up and they sent me a new one with a shipping label to return the other one once the new one arrived. They were sorry for the mistake, and handled it satisfactory for me. I was fully expecting them to ask me to send them the defective one first, but they didn't do that.

Anyway, all I have left to do tonight is change the oil, rotate the tires, and call it good for a while. Hooray! Now I can get back to my woodworking...:)
 
sLcREX

sLcREX

Formerly Maldito X
Location
Utah
Good to hear it's all buttoned up and back on the road. Hopefully the new stronger parts give you peace of mind for future trips.
 
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