83 CJ Replacing Rear Pass Axle

[Shadrocks]

Bought a jeep that was reported to have clutch problems, what I found after replacing the clutch was that the right rear hut retaining washer/nut had fallen off after the cotter pin broke. It destroyed the keyway on the shaft so I have a shaft that will be here Friday.

I've been watching videos on replacing the passenger side rear axle shaft, but what is not clear is this: After I disconnect the brake line, do I need to completely disassemble the rear drum brake to change the axle or does it slide off intact?

 

[RiverandSand]

Yes it all has to come apart. Remove the brakes, remove the bolts holding the backing plate, then pull it all out. There isn't a retaining clip or anything to remove inside the pumpkin, the axle is retained by the backing plate bolts.
If you plan on running bigger tires and a bit of wheeling, I would return the two piece axle and buy a one piece axle kit from moser, yukon or g2. The kits come with everything you need to install them. The one piece axles are a lot stronger that 2 piece design. Usually the splines spin out and ruine both axle and hub. You will happy you made the change.

 

[Shadrocks]

! I hate dealing with drum brakes!

Thanks for the feedback, not gonna do any initial wheeling with it and the replacement 2 piece is already been ordered. Moving to 1 piece axles maybe done if ever needed.

 

[Shadrocks]

Well.. so a new concern.. When I took the axle out I found something I wasn't expecting. The axle has the bearing pressed on with the small side facing out. It was assembled with the race being installed AFTER the shaft was installed. The race was facing inward and held in place by the seal and brake backer plate.


Is this right? Everything I have watched shows the race in the housing first, then install the axle with the bearing small side facing inward!

**UPDATE**
I watched 2 videos now and it looks like this is the right orientation.

 

[cglax6]

Well.. so a new concern.. When I took the axle out I found something I wasn't expecting. The axle has the bearing pressed on with the small side facing out. It was assembled with the race being installed AFTER the shaft was installed. The race was facing inward and held in place by the seal and brake backer plate.

Is this right? Everything I have watched shows the race in the housing first, then install the axle with the bearing small side facing inward!

Ooph! That's some serious PO problems right there!

Race first, then bearing...small side points in toward the diff.

Vibrations and misalignment probably killed it.

You need to check the other side...

 

[Shadrocks]

Well.. so a new concern.. When I took the axle out I found something I wasn't expecting. The axle has the bearing pressed on with the small side facing out. It was assembled with the race being installed AFTER the shaft was installed. The race was facing inward and held in place by the seal and brake backer plate.


Is this right? Everything I have watched shows the race in the housing first, then install the axle with the bearing small side facing inward!

**UPDATE**
I watched 2 videos now and it looks like this is the right orientation.

https://youtu.be/vbjrZDpGVac?t=65

 

[RiverandSand]

Be sure to check the inner seal as the diff oil doesn't lube the bearing, also make sure you pack the bearing before final install.