Sure grip question

I have a 742 3rd member, 3.23 and clutch type sure grip. It's been sitting in the garage for almost 2 years. Being bored today, I decided to install it. Before installing it, I slipped...rather tried to slip the axles in. On one side it appears that the two splines in the sure grip are slightly off, just enough to stop the axle from going past the first set of splines. First, is this an indicator there are issues with the unit? Second, how can I realign them. I attempted to separate the sure grip and them bolts won't budge. There is an "LE" stamped on the heads of the bolts, left handed thread? The ring gear bolts have an "L" stamped on them and I know from the FSM they are left hand.

Thanks

I have had a few units like this in the past. I backed off the bolts that hold the posi case together.

Slip the axle in that is still aligned and make sure it stays fully engaged. I have a set of axles stubs that I keep for checking or rebuilding suregrip units.

You have to be able to rotate the unit in the case. Eventually you will need to loosen or remove one main cap. Mark the cap and the adjuster. It helps to have a spanner tool for the adjuster. After loosening the cap enough to turn the adjuster, count how many turns you back it out. Keep backing out the posi retaining bolts making sure you can still spin it in the case. Eventually you will be able to get the other axle to realign the splines. Then reverse the procedure. I used an impact to break the bolts quickly, then wrenched by hand. Torque to service manual specs.

It takes me about 15 minutes by myself when I'm in the right frame of mind. It is easier with axle stubs. It might take some friends to help with full length axles.

I've done this with both styles of sure grips with success.

Good luck!

the sure grip housing bolts are left hand thread also .

loosening them while it's in the carrier isn't going to do anything unless the berings have no preload and the carrier can actually move as it sits , which is NOT good .

Got everything aligned. Thanks for the info. Axle stubs would have definitely made it easier.