Just what MDF said, with a couple additions..When you pull the drum, you'll see some holes in the axle flange. These allow you to use a socket and extension to get to the bearing retainer bolts without removing any of the brake parts.
You'll probably be spending some quality time with a chisel, getting the copper washers off the center section studs. This is a PITA, but the nugget won't come out unless they are all removed. Don't replace these washers, just use Nylock nuts, I believe they are 5/16-24 (fine thread), I always get the stainless ones...
While you have the axles pulled, I'd recommend you dress the seal contact surface just inboard of the bearing with some fine emery or 600 grit paper. Give this surface a thin coat of grease or axle lube when you put them back in.
Check your axle bearings while they are out. If they feel even slightly crunchy or make odd noises when you spin them, replace them. You need a press to install the new ones, so you may have to take them to a machine shop.
I also recommend you replace the axle seal that is installed in the housing itself. It is a simple job that only takes a few minutes when you are at this stage.
I generally skip the whole gasket thing when installing the nugget. I just lay a bead of RTV around the perimeter of the housing and let it set up for 10 minutes or so.
Before you insert the nugget, make sure the splines --inside-- the locker are lined up. There are two sets of splines one one side that your axle must align with. Take your axle and stick it in each side, and make sure it will engage completely. Otherwise you'll end up trying to fix this in the car, and that is a total PITA...ask me how I know...
Get a friend to help you with the nugget, it isn't easy for one person to muscle it up into place, line up the studs etc, especially if you've never done it before.
Before I insert the last axle, I jack up that side of the housing and fill the axle with the gear oil through the housing end. This makes it a piece of cake to do, instead of under the car with a hose on the bottle, trying to fill it through the plug. ]
Make sure you get the little bottle of posi-traction additive. Most gear oils say they are limited slip friendly, but I have never found one that won't cause my posi to chatter on corners without the additive.
Any brand name 85W-90 or better gear oil will be fine. I think a 9" takes 2 or so quarts, but I'm not sure.
[This message has been edited by Hemikiller (edited 08-28-2003).]
Mustangsandmore Forums
posted 08-27-2003 10:18 PM
. I just want to get this thing in and do it right. Thanks