AMC 20 1 piece axle install issues

[Jfrahm13]

Greetings, I am in the process of installing new 1 piece axle shafts and bearings. Previously the vehicle has had a 1 piece install done but the brand of axle shafts used has been discontinued and they do not manufacture the correct bearings anymore. So I purchased a new set of axle shafts, with bearings and seals. Had the bearings installed on the shafts with the retainer rings. Upon install into the axle tube I am running into issues. When I tighten the 4 bolts that hold the backing plate and outer seal, the axle shaft become nearly impossible to turn by hand. The bearing fit appears to be correct so I am at a loss as to what may be going on. This is my first time doing a project like this so I am looking for some input. Thank you for any help that can be given.

 

[Alec79CJ]

Are the bearings pressed all the way against the collar? It sounds like they weren't pressed completely.

 

[Peanut Butter]

What 2 piece axle kit did you buy? A picture of the assembly would also help.

 

[Jfrahm13]

As far as them being pressed on correctly, I am pretty sure they are on all the way. Not much room between them and the brake backing plate. I used the Ten factory 1 piece kit. Everything appears correct, its only when I tighten down the bolts does the issue come up. I will try and get some pictures

 

[shooby]

I installed Moser one piece axles in my AMC20 recently and I had the same problem you describe, axles were too tight to turn after tightening the four bolts. The solution in the Moser instructions is to grind the bearing spacer ring to make it fit right and I did this repeatedly, grinding them down a little and re-installing each time but still the axle wouldn't turn freely. Finally, I did more internet research and found a solution that is not mentioned in the Moser literature: Pull the differential cover and remove the THRUST BLOCK. Do a search For "AMC20 thrust block" and you will find lots of information.

 

[jafo]

Will be doing this upgrade in the future. So just wanted to ask a question. What is the thrust block for and is it left out once you install the upgraded axles? I'm seen somewhere in a forum to leave the thrust block out?

 

[Peanut Butter]

From what I know (and that's not much) the thrust bearing helps in bearing preload. Not needed in the one piece axles.

 

[jafo]

From what I know (and that's not much) the thrust bearing helps in bearing preload. Not needed in the one piece axles.

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[jafo]

Greetings, I am in the process of installing new 1 piece axle shafts and bearings. Previously the vehicle has had a 1 piece install done but the brand of axle shafts used has been discontinued and they do not manufacture the correct bearings anymore. So I purchased a new set of axle shafts, with bearings and seals. Had the bearings installed on the shafts with the retainer rings. Upon install into the axle tube I am running into issues. When I tighten the 4 bolts that hold the backing plate and outer seal, the axle shaft become nearly impossible to turn by hand. The bearing fit appears to be correct so I am at a loss as to what may be going on. This is my first time doing a project like this so I am looking for some input. Thank you for any help that can be given.

So did you figure out what it was exactly?

 

[Jfrahm13]

Well at the moment I have it all put back together and I have test driven it. Seems ok so far. I plan to take apart again and inspect everything.

 

[jafo]

Well at the moment I have it all put back together and I have test driven it. Seems ok so far. I plan to take apart again and inspect everything.

Cool. Glad it's working out.

 

[Peanut Butter]

I used the Ten factory 1 piece kit.

Interesting! I looked them up. Same ten year warranty as Moser, but cheaper. I wonder if they are made as good. Doesn't effect me as they don't make an AMC20 with the differential off-set for the QuadraTrac type axles.