Well, got a lot deeper into this POS M20 axle. Trying to sort out axle shaft lengths to get replacements, I popped the cover back off to pull the pig and check the splines inside on the long side that spun.
Wanted to check wear pattern before I pulled it out to see if It needed to be reset when I put it back in ... But I found a WHOLE lot worse when I got in there other, than a bad wear pattern ...
Not a lot of toe engagement
Which probably caused this ... One side of the pinion crown - -
The other side
There were no chunks in the oil or stuck to the plug - where'd they go??
Here's the run down ...
Option 1)
- IF I can find the missing pieces ... by tearing down the Detroit
- new ring and pinion (4.56)
- all new bearings and seals
- 2 new shafts (if I can figure out the real length I need)
- the tubes have been welded and ground in several places
Or Option 2)
- not restore the 88 (looking like at least $6 large for that and I can by one cheaper in better shape and build it for that!! )
- pull the axles and use the those
- install the spring over perches (now or later?)
- put the disc brake setup on them
- hopefully NOT have a spun shaft (but at least I know the make and year on this one)
- get the replacement 4.56's to go with the tires
- still need to replace the lockers
Put the bad axles under the waggie with the old carrier, and
sell the other parts before dumping to a recycle yard
and get some of the $$ back from it
Either way I'm pissed I spent a bunch of $$$ for and on this frigg'n POS already - and it hasn't even left the shop!!! Now what's the best option to get the CJ running?
Pat