Rear Axle fell out!

[rocmoc]

Just bought this little gem as is, 1969 CJ5 stock. The past owner had just completed some "work" on the right rear, bearing and more. Drove it around his yard and everything OK. Started down the road and the axle came out with the Jeep falling on the brake backing plate. When I got there the axle had been stuck back in the diff housing with about 8 inch still out. I jacked it up, shoved the axle in the rest of the way, pulled it on the trailer, took it home and unloaded it in the garage. Now she sits waiting for me to fix her. I have had CJ's in the past, the 70's, and can do my own work tho I have never pulled a Jeep axle. Any idea what he did wrong and what I should be on the look out for?

Thanks,
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

 

[IOPort51]

I would think you would have a plate on the axle shaft between the bearing and hub, with an oil seal in it that bolts on to the end of the axle tube.


Dana Model 44 Rear Axle for 1986 Jeep CJ7 & CJ8 Scrambler at Morris 4x4 Center


Item 29. I am assuming that you have a Dana 44 rear axle.


I would think you should have a plate on the axle with an oil seal in it that bolts onto the end of the axle tube.

Just bought this little gem as is, 1969 CJ5 stock. The past owner had just completed some "work" on the right rear, bearing and more. Drove it around his yard and everything OK. Started down the road and the axle came out with the Jeep falling on the brake backing plate. When I got there the axle had been stuck back in the diff housing with about 8 inch still out. I jacked it up, shoved the axle in the rest of the way, pulled it on the trailer, took it home and unloaded it in the garage. Now she sits waiting for me to fix her. I have had CJ's in the past, the 70's, and can do my own work tho I have never pulled a Jeep axle. Any idea what he did wrong and what I should be on the look out for?

Thanks,
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

 

[Incommando]

The early Dana 44 's through 1969 were a crappy 19-spline two-piece shaft design like the AMC M20. If so he probably left the retaining nut loose. If it is a flanged model he probably forgot the 4 bolts on the retainer.

Link for your axle if it is original:
Dana Model 44 Rear Axle for 1948-1969 Jeep CJ Willy at Morris 4x4 Center

Not all axles of the same designation are the same and pre-1970 axles, be it a 44, 60, 70, whatever, are seriously weaker than their later counterparts. For fronts you need about a '74 or up to get a big spindle open knuckle axle with a chance at having disc brakes.


If it is the 2-piece design finding a later flanged narrow Dana 44 shouldn't be too hard or expensive but will be a ton stronger.

 

[rocmoc]

Thanks guys. Kind of what I thought that he didn't tighten the retainer. Nut on the end of axle is good as the wheel is still on the axle. When I start on it in a week I will post what I have found.

I do plan to replace the two piece axles but would like to first get it up on all fours and make sure the diff is sound. What I don't know is fix the diff or replace? Will know soon.

Thanks again,
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

 

[Incommando]

Thanks guys. Kind of what I thought that he didn't tighten the retainer. Nut on the end of axle is good as the wheel is still on the axle. When I start on it in a week I will post what I have found.

I do plan to replace the two piece axles but would like to first get it up on all fours and make sure the diff is sound. What I don't know is fix the diff or replace? Will know soon.

Thanks again,
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

I sure you can find a narrow-trac Dana 44 rear from a '70 or newer with a matching gear ratio. That would probably be the cheapest route and a good step up in strength. It would be far cheaper than after-market axles and you still have all of that work. A complete axle swap is actually very simple.

 

[rocmoc]

Pull everything apart. Couldn't figure out what the past owner did wrong so I pull the diff assembly and took everything to Dan @ Desert Dog in Tucson. If ya can find the mistake, take it to an expert. Will give an update after Dan has a chance to look at it and complete the repair. In the mean time I am completing a spring lift, new exhaust gaskets, cleaning up the wiring and rebuild the front frame horns with a new bumper. She is looking better already.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

 

[rocmoc]

Dan opened the diff assembly and found broken gears, bent shafts & basically junk! Rather than put a ton of money in the older two piece setup, we found a newer narrow one piece diff as suggested in earlier post. Putting in new bearings, seals, brake shoes, brake cylinders and a Detroit Locker. Planned to do this in the future (the locker) but since everything had to be touched now there is a savings by doing the upgrades once & now. The bodywork can wait!

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico