AMC 20 axle removal

I have a 1980 cj7 Jeep with an AMC 20 rearend.  Through some help of this forum I got some info on it.  The axle is stamped with a clear and defined "Y" on the right side of the housing.  I was told that this means it is a 3.07 "Twin-Grip".   All of the info I have read on cj7's a "Y" was not an option for a cj7.   I decided to inspect the ring and pinion gears and since it is a Limited slip, the clutch packs as well.  Clutch packs are fried so I am trying to remove the axles to rebuild them.   I can't get the axle shafts out of the tubes.  I have removed all of the brake components minus the backing plate of course and removed the 4 bolts holding the bearing retainer and the outer seal.  The darn thing won't come out!!   Any help is appreciated.  

-Brian

The trouble with the trac-lock is that the outer clutches ride against the case, the inners against the side gears.  Usually, if they're worn to a point of not working, the case and side gears are worn too.  Putting new clutches in without replacing the case and side gears will give you temporary and marginal performance at best.  You also need a special tool to compress the clutches so you can install the spider gears.  Even new, trac-locks only work for 10-20K miles.  If you replace everything, then you might as well just spend a little more and install a Detroit Locker, ARB, or OX.

Bob
tufcj


Edited by tufcj - Sep/22/2008 at 9:35am

So,  I've been trying for a couple of days here to get these axles out.  No luck.  I did the poor man's slide hammer with the brake drum until my head was ready to explode.  What holds these axles in??  I have the 4 bolts removed from the backing plate that bolts to the axle tube.  Which way does the timken baering face??  Is the race pressed in over the bearing and the race is now holding the axle on??

-Brian

An auto parts or tool rental place may have an axle puller tool.  It's basically like the brake drum, with a bracket that attaches to 3 lug bolts and a 5+ lb slide hammer.  It gives you more room to get the weight moving than a brake drum.

The bearing/race is put on the axle while the axle and hub are separate.  You will need to have the axle/hub pressed apart to replace the bearing and outer seal.  There's a cap in the center over a nut that hold them together.   That's best left to a shop, I've seen them stall a 20 ton press.  Be sure to mark them so you re-install the same hub on the same axle.  If the key is sheared, the axle and hub are junk.

Bob
tufcj


Edited by tufcj - Sep/25/2008 at 8:50am

poormansMACHINE wrote: tufcj wrote:    Even new, trac-locks only work for 10-20K miles.  Bob tufcj Fresh clutches and mine died first time out in the water box.

I remember that.