Removing Spider Gear shaft from 8.5 posi

I am trying to remove a posi unit from an 86 Lesabre wagon 8.5 rear (5 x 5) to put in a 72 8.5 rear (4 x 4.75) out of a Sportwagon. According to what I have read, after removing the retaining screw the shaft should slide out. I am able to move the shaft back and forth a little and have lightly tapped on it but it isn't coming out and I didn't want to cause damage so I didn't bang on it. Is there a trick to getting the shaft out? Am I missing a step in removal?

I was planning to put the 72 rear end in one of my 66-67 Skylarks.

Any help or advice is appreciated.

Rick
1966 Buick Skylark Convt
1967 Buick Skylark 2DrHt

 

Now that you mention that I'm not sure. I was able to remove what I thought was the retaining screw, but if they break maybe all of it didn't come out. I'll have to take a closer look tomorrow. If it did break, what is the best procedure for getting the rest of it out?

 

http://www.fabbriassociates.com/

Devon

 

One trick I have used to address a broken/frozen pin is to cut the end of the pinion shaft with a small cutting wheel and dremel to expose the frozen pin or broken piece. Cut/grind whatever needs to be removed from the shaft until the shaft can be slid out.

Once the shaft is out you can remove the broken/frozen pin piece relatively easily.

Good link, Devon. I need to try one of those kits.

 

Ken,
I bought one of the "kits"....it is ok but the drill bit is absolutely junk.....it is HSS and should have been a cobalt bit.....so, I made my own from a solid steel rod and I welded a cobalt bit to the rod....works great and the cobalt bit eats into the broken screw end like it is drilling into butter.......what a breeze.....I told the manufacturer but I think they still sell the "el cheapo" HSS bit.

 

Last time I had to remove the broken part of the shaft screw I stuck a scribe down the hole and spun it around (counter-clock-wise) and it turned the broken part out. I probably got lucky but try it first and see if it works. Good luck.

 

Yep, That is what we do. Usually breaks off nice and clean. Take the pin area and clean it real good with brake cleaner. Then use LIGHT oil wd-40 spray it in and around. Get the compressed air small nozzle...spary it in the pinion shaft area to blow the retaining bolt so it seats against the thread (if the retaining bolt breaks in the clean NON thread part that little bit will come flying out like a bullet...lol) If you have thread hit it with air inthe end of the pinion spider shaft end and do the counter clockwise pick spin. The compressed air will float the retaining bolt so it spins easier. It may be a bit of a slow process BUT it does work almost ever time. with out drilling or hammering or cutting up the case. JIm:TU:

 

thanks for the tip

 

Thanks everybody for the tips and tricks, great advise! I'm hoping to get to it this afternoon or over the weekend, I'll let you know what happens.

 

Quick update:

I was able to get the rest of the retaining bolt out using an air compressor and an ice pick (thanks Jim!). :TU: Does ARP make a stronger retaining bolt?

Now I'm trying to remove the pinion and have the yoke and nut off but it isn't sliding out when I pull on it. I didn't want to bang on it, am I missing a step or is there a trick for this as well.

Thanks again everyone for your help, it is much appreciated!

 

Put the pinion nut back on and gently tap on the end with a small hammer...that will knock it loose, remove the nut and slide out the pinion


Nice idea Jim....except there is no compressed air supply in the u-pull-it yards....so a cordless drill and the special tool I made works great....has never let me down...after remove about 10 of them with the broken pinion shaft screw.

 

So where are you spraying the compressed air?>

Sounds like a good working idea but I am not getting it.o No:

I would love to try it next time.

 

quote
Now I'm trying to remove the pinion and have the yoke and nut off but it isn't sliding out when I pull on it. I didn't want to bang on it, am I missing a step or is there a trick for this as well.

There is a centering hole for the machine center where the nut goes on. Use a 45 degree punch or drift or air hammer bit in that hole...DO NOT use a flat drift as it might slide off the side a mess the threads up. Have a soft landing for it like rags etc. Nut works good too just might not leave enough to drive far enough past the press fit.

JIm