Sandblasting Dana 44 rear end

[Millsb55]

I'm rebuilding my 1972 CJ5 . So far, I've taken everything off the frame and had it sandblasted and powder coated. The front Dana 30 , I took it apart, then sandblasted and painted it. I also replaced all the seals, ball joints, u-joints, and wheel bearings along with all new brakes hardware, shoes and drums and springs. I also installed new tie rod ends. The front end looks great! Now it's time to start the Dana 44 on the back. My question is, can I sandblast it before removing the axle shafts or should I disassemble it, seal it up, then have it blasted? The shaft seals are leaking a little and I'm planning on replacing them. I'm interested in knowing how others did it. Thanks!!

 

[gert]

If your rebuilding the axle I don’t see why you can’t blast it with axles in place


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[Millsb55]

i can't either. It's already sealed against dirt. Unless someone comes up with a good reason not too, that's what I'm going to do. Thanks!

 

[jp360cj]

I agree. I would pull the drums, remove all the brake hardware, and let the backing plates be blasted too.

I would seal the vent port though.

 

[Millsb55]

Update. After talking with my sandblasting guy, he said to totally disassemble the differential which I did. He did a great job sandblasting it and primed it for me as well. I painted it and got new bearings and seals for it as well as two new axles. The sealing surfaces on the original axles were too pitted to re-use. When I pressed out the wheel studs, I didn't keep them. I didn't think it would be a big deal to get new ones. Boy, was I wrong!! The one all the parts suppliers say fit it is too small. They say it it takes a 0.625 knurl diameter. The hole measures 0.65. Anybody know what wheel stud to use? Thanks!

 

[gert]

Update. After talking with my sandblasting guy, he said to totally disassemble the differential which I did. He did a great job sandblasting it and primed it for me as well. I painted it and got new bearings and seals for it as well as two new axles. The sealing surfaces on the original axles were too pitted to re-use. When I pressed out the wheel studs, I didn't keep them. I didn't think it would be a big deal to get new ones. Boy, was I wrong!! The one all the parts suppliers say fit it is too small. They say it it takes a 0.625 knurl diameter. The hole measures 0.65. Anybody know what wheel stud to use? Thanks!

I don’t have size reference in front of me but the Ford 9 and Chrysler 8 3/4 use studs


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[Torxhead]

You might want to Check Dorman for those studs, here is an example that I got from MrIplaybass:https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...YSXeU9GUftdtzQg5gI6l9oYYdkuiz3UKvVSbo9GJMf6Ys

 

[Millsb55]

I have. Dorman says it will take the 610-109. The knurl diameter of that is 0.625. The hole in the flange is 0.65. The 610-109 is too small. I've tried a half a dozen other studs but they are either too big, too small, or shoulder length was wrong. I'm really getting frustrated.

 

[Torxhead]

Doing a quick search on the Summit page I found these:https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-610-132/overview/submodel/custom. If these don't work you might have to contact them direct with your required dimensions and see what they can come up with-good luck!

 

[Millsb55]

I've found wheel studs to fit!! I broke down and took the axles to my local tire store. My thought was that a tire dealer would know more about it and may have them in stock. I dropped my axles off and before I was able to get home, they called to tell me it was ready. Then they solve the mystery as to why 1972 studs wouldn't fit. The axles are from a 1974 Jeep!! I bought it in 1981 and I don't remember the previous owner saying that it was damaged and I know I didn't do anything to it. I have no idea how 1974 axles ended up in my '72 CJ5 . Oh the joys of having a 45 year old jeep!

 

[gert]

Wow I’m surprised that there was a change in axle studs between years


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