question on removing the third member (pumpkin)

Posted By: 71monaco

question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 05:13 PM

Folks,

I've got a 71 monaco and I need to drop/pull the third member. My only problem is that my garage is not wide enough to pull the axles all the way out of the housing. Can I disconnect them from the third member and rest them inside the housing? If so, how far do I need to pull them out?

btw....how do they come out anyway? :-)

Thanks,
David

Posted By: 340dart4spd

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 05:14 PM

how much room do you have? you should be able to pull them out part way ..becareful not to damage seals.. you will need to unbolt the axle..from brake side..a good tap on backing plate should free them up so you can remove axle..

Posted By: 71monaco

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 05:17 PM

i might have like a foot or two on each side if i can arrange the car just right...

Posted By: 340dart4spd

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 05:20 PM

sould work..but it is prob gonna be hard to remove wheels..or room to work...

Posted By: 5spdcuda

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 05:25 PM

It's not necessary to remove the axles, 7-8 inches on each side should do it. As was already said having enough room to get the tires and brake drums off might be an issue.

Posted By: 340dart4spd

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 05:27 PM

Quote:

It's not necessary to remove the axles, 7-8 inches on each side should do it. As was already said having enough room to get the tires and brake drums off might be an issue.

What he said ...

Posted By: 71monaco

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 05:29 PM

It should be ok...

how do the axles come out after i get the rear brakes off?

Posted By: 5spdcuda

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 05:42 PM

Five nuts per side holds the axle/seal retainer. Right side also has the end play adjuster and a metal hook which goes under one of the nuts to prevent the adjuster from moving once end play is set. .008-.012 end play is about right. You may have to remove the bar above the retainer that holds the brake shoes apart in order to pull the axles. Don't know what the weather is like in "Big D", but if you get any warm weather soon I would do it outside where you have more room.

Posted By: therocks

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 05:44 PM

There are 5 nuts that hold them to the axle housing it self.The axle has a hole in it that a 9/16 3 /8 drive socket fits thru.Take the nuts off and the axles should pull out.Sometimes they need some persuasion.You can put the drum on back wards and pull on it if they dont pop right off.Rocky

Posted By: scratchnfotraction

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 06:39 PM

yep pull axle 7-8 inches

then the 10 nut on the chunk

I leave 1-2 nuts on and pry it from the seal some to drain the gear oil

after draining remove the nuts and pull the ham out

be ready its about 80-85 lbs

I use a floor jack and help hold it down

just be carefull when up on stands and droping/lifting it in out

with the axles out would be a good time to use a greese needle and repack the bearing rollers

they do not get the diff gear oil but are packed with greese like a front wheel bearing

why are you pulling it out??

Posted By: John_Kunkel

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 08:37 PM

Allowing the weight of the axles to rest on old stiff seals is a good way to ruin the seals.

Posted By: 71monaco

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 10:19 PM

well, i originally bought a sure-grip clutch type third member from Dr. Diff and had my mechanic install it for $300. shortly after it started making loud noises...I took it back and my mechanic removed it and saw the spider gears were broke. we sent the 3rd member back to Dr. Diff and he sent another back. My mechanic installed that and now it's starting to make similiar noises. Instead of paying my mechanic another $300, i'm just going to tackle it myself.

What could cause the spider gears to keep breaking? we used the correct fluid as well friction modifier.

PS. I don't mean to knock Dr Diff at all. He has been very helpful and he reimbursed my shipping for the first unit. He replies to my emails very quickly, and with this new problem he suggested we remove the third member again to view the problem. The only issue is that I don't want to pay my mechanic, so I need a little help from the board so I can save the money. :-)

Posted By: 340dart4spd

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/10/10 10:30 PM

Quote:

well, i originally bought a sure-grip clutch type third member from Dr. Diff and had my mechanic install it for $300. shortly after it started making loud noises...I took it back and my mechanic removed it and saw the spider gears were broke. we sent the 3rd member back to Dr. Diff and he sent another back. My mechanic installed that and now it's starting to make similiar noises. Instead of paying my mechanic another $300, i'm just going to tackle it myself.

What could cause the spider gears to keep breaking? we used the correct fluid as well friction modifier.

PS. I don't mean to knock Dr Diff at all. He has been very helpful and he reimbursed my shipping for the first unit. He replies to my emails very quickly, and with this new problem he suggested we remove the third member again to view the problem. The only issue is that I don't want to pay my mechanic, so I need a little help from the board so I can save the money. :-)

I would find a new mechanic..

Posted By: 71monaco

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/15/10 11:19 PM

is 300 too much to replace the third member?

Posted By: dOc !

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/15/10 11:25 PM

The last pig I changed took me 30 minutes ....and that was ON THE GROUND .... and no air tools.

YES .....I would say 300$ is way WAY out-of-line.

Posted By: DaveRS23

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/16/10 12:51 AM

All good info above on pulling the center. After you get the center out, CAREFULLY slide the axles back in so they don't rest on the seals any longer than necessary. Slightly turning the axle shaft as you pull it out and then as you put it back can help prevent tearing the seal. With the limited space you have, it sounds like you would have to cut a hole in the wall if you had to change an axle seal.

Posted By: Chi_Town_Runner

Re: question on removing the third member (pumpkin) - 02/16/10 02:45 AM

Quote:

how do the axles come out after i get the rear brakes off?

You don't need to remove the brakes. Just the brake drum. It will unbolt and the axles will slide out with the brake shoes in place.

Frank

EDIT: That's how my '68 is not sure about a Monaco