Rear diff side yoke seals?

[mld]

Recently removed the diff from my 81 to change side yoke oil seals. Ran into a problem. After removing the snap ring on the side yoke stub shaft, it would not come out!! It was really stuck, about a 1/4" of the way into the side gear, but still would not pull out. I tried the other side, and experienced the same problem. Has anyone run into this before?? And what are, if any solutions??

Thanks mld

 

[Hib Halverson]

Recently removed the diff from my 81 to change side yoke oil seals. Ran into a problem. After removing the snap ring on the side yoke stub shaft, it would not come out!! It was really stuck, about a 1/4" of the way into the side gear, but still would not pull out. I tried the other side, and experienced the same problem. Has anyone run into this before?? And what are, if any solutions??

Thanks mld

I'm going to guess that both the stub axles are somewhat worn with the ends "mushroomed".

As to how to get them out...someone here with more experience working on the D44 axle in an 81 will need to offer some advice.

 

[GTR1999]

The ends are mushroomed and dragging on the side gear splines. You can try and drive them out or grind the burr off. If you grind be sure you get the chips out.

 

[mld]

I'm going to guess that both the stub axles are somewhat worn with the ends "mushroomed".

As to how to get them out...someone here with more experience working on the D44 axle in an 81 will need to offer some advice.

Thanks for the reply guys. I wonder if fabricating a type of puller would do the trick? I would have to replace inner & outer bearings and seals, but what about the side gears?? (that is, if I can pull them thru) What is your opinion on performing this task?? Is it my only viable option, other than purchasing a new or reconditioned diff?

Thanks for any feed back.

mld