How do I remove my C-clips? (Posi rear end)

Discussion in 'Got gears?' started by MartinNr5, Apr 29, 2010.

  1. MartinNr5

    MartinNr5 Stubborn Swede

    Hi all!

    I have a 1972 8.5" 10-bolt positraction rear end that I'm trying to take apart (see here for more info and pictures).

    For the life of me I can't get the c-clips out though. The manual just says something along the lines of "Push the wheel axles inwards in order to remove the c-clips. Remove the c-clips". The illustration is too small to make anything of.

    This is what I see right now (click image for larger image):
    <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JL-sYPS9dFcQu-p7ToFRnQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_qIfzkfjR_Nw/S9nDjQ_ZDZI/AAAAAAAAC90/EJ_q-nE5HF4/s400/IMG_3594.JPG" /></a>

    I can't remove the axle gears - there isn't enough clearance.

    What am I doing wrong?
     
  2. Iceman8.6

    Iceman8.6 Well-Known Member

    Remove the differential pinion shaft that goes thru the middle of the differential..then jack the rear of the car up and push in on the tires/rims..that will push the axles/c-clips in towards the center of the differential just enough to slide the c-clips off the ends of the axles.
     
  3. Mr Big

    Mr Big Silver Level contributor

    Pretty sure you have bolt-in axles just unbolt the axle flanges from the backing plates and pull the axles out.

    No C-Clips...
     
  4. MartinNr5

    MartinNr5 Stubborn Swede

    I have tried to push the axles inwards and not even a light tapping with a mallet does the trick.

    I was told that I most likely have c-clips as there is some small amount of play when I pull the axles straight out and there's a very distinct and audible "klonk" when I do so as they come to a stop.
     
  5. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    Just seeing that photo shows that you don't have c-clips. You wouldn't be able to see the splines in the side gears if you did.

    Devon
     
  6. MartinNr5

    MartinNr5 Stubborn Swede

    10-4!

    I'll unbolt the axle flanges tomorrow then and see what gives. :)
     
  7. Tim

    Tim Silver Level contributor

    Unbolt the four bolts on the flanges and the axles might just come out with a firm tug however I have had to use a slide hammer puller that bolts onto the axle and that works great.
    Good luck.
     
  8. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    Another old trick is to put the brake drum on backwards with the lug nuts on only three or four turns and use the drum as a slide hammer.

    Devon
     
  9. techg8

    techg8 The BS GS

    another old trick to pull the axles out.

    unbolt them 1st of course

    get a length of heavy chain and put one end on a wheelstud. thread a lugnut on.

    "whip" the chain to get its momentum to yank the axle out.
     
  10. nickbuickgs

    nickbuickgs nickbuickgs

    Bolt in 8.5 axels ...Unbolt the axels@ the brake backing plate. The axel has a hole to get a socket through . Use a slide hammer or as Devon mentioned the drum backwards bolt it on and tug ! Be careful It may through you back !

    Nick
     
  11. monzaz

    monzaz Jim

    Looks like you chewed up the side gear huh? That will be a tough find as there are no repop spider gear sets. :( Jim

    If you can find another cheap 2 series that will work you can remove the guts they are the same from 2 series or 3 series...ONLY the cases are different. Jim
     
  12. MartinNr5

    MartinNr5 Stubborn Swede

    They're that bad? I don't think that they look too bad but I'll post a shot of them when they're out so that you guys can take a closer look.
     
  13. JZRIV

    JZRIV Platinum Level Contributor

    I have used this method forever and it works awesome.
    Sometimes the axle bearing gets seized in the end of the axle tube and if it is, you'll have problems no matter what method of puller you use.

    If attempts with a puller will not break it loose, look behind the brake back plate at the end of the axle tube and you will see the last 3/4" or so is belled out. Thats where the bearing sits. If you have access to one use an oxy acetylene torch and heat up the bell then try to pull the axle. You could try to use a Mapp gas torch if you don't have accetlylene.
     

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