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HELP!!! to reinsert front half shaft

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by COTundie, Oct 7, 2021.

  1. Oct 7, 2021 at 6:14 PM
    #1
    COTundie

    COTundie [OP] Whoa Black Betty

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    Was very excited to install the Eibach pro 2.0 suspension kit today. Passenger side went pretty damn easy considering I didnt have to disassemble the coil assemblies (thanks eibach!).

    Unfortunately, while I was attempting to realign the driver side lower control arm, the hub assembly slid far enough outward that the driveshaft separated from the differential housing (whatever it's call on these rigs).

    I am having quite a difficult time getting the drive shaft to reinsert completely and was forced to button things up for the evening.

    Anybody have some tips on the easiest way to drive the half shaft back into the transfer case/diff??

    TIA
     
  2. Oct 7, 2021 at 6:31 PM
    #2
    koditten

    koditten New Member

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    I just install axle nut then hit it with a BFH.
     
  3. Oct 7, 2021 at 6:39 PM
    #3
    COTundie

    COTundie [OP] Whoa Black Betty

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    Hmm. Seems so simple.

    Guess there's no getting around finding that axle nut socket. Any idea what size off hand?

    ...maybe a section of pipe over the rotor's center bore flange so I can hammer on that
     
  4. Oct 7, 2021 at 6:44 PM
    #4
    koditten

    koditten New Member

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    Let me get this straight. The axle nut is still on? If yes, pop off that black cap and hit the axle end with a chunk of 4x4.
     
  5. Oct 7, 2021 at 7:46 PM
    #5
    COTundie

    COTundie [OP] Whoa Black Betty

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    Yeah. Was just installing new coilovers and did not disassemble the hub.

    It looks like there is also a flange on the shroud at the end of the CV. Might see if I can get something on there to pound with as well.

    ...or chunk of wood from the opposite end
     
  6. Oct 7, 2021 at 9:53 PM
    #6
    Cruzer

    Cruzer Wheeling Full Size

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    NueveTundra likes this.
  7. Oct 8, 2021 at 4:55 AM
    #7
    ScenicRoute

    ScenicRoute New Member

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    Did the axle shaft pop out of the differential or did the cv joint itself disengage. I had the latter happen on my eibach install. Had to pull the shaft take the boot off reassemble the joint and then put it all back together.
     
  8. Oct 8, 2021 at 5:34 AM
    #8
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Assuming you know the female hole and the male shaft are splined and the splines must align correctly.
     
  9. Oct 8, 2021 at 5:37 AM
    #9
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Watch a video or 3 on cv axle replacement so you have a better understanding before you start pounding.
     
  10. Oct 8, 2021 at 6:13 AM
    #10
    Cruzer

    Cruzer Wheeling Full Size

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    If the CV axle popped out of the differential, then put it in 4Hi so that the front diff is in gear, which will prevent it from freely spinning in order to mate the splines properly. A lot of the times as you rotate the CV axle to get the splines to line up you actually end up rotating the diff as well, which makes for a very frustrating time.
     
    Bikeric, 2mchfun and TRDFerguson like this.
  11. Oct 8, 2021 at 6:56 AM
    #11
    COTundie

    COTundie [OP] Whoa Black Betty

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    Axle shaft popped out of the differential in my case. I have the shaft in the diff housing, but it needs to side in another inch or so.

    Guess I just didnt think it would take that much force to get it to slide home.

    Thank you for the tip. I think this is exactly what I am running into. Everything was rotating nicely with the shaft mostly inserted, but I dont think it was engaging the splines inside the diff yet. And definitely not in the seal yet. I will try this to see if I can get a little more positive engagement before I start pounding too much.

    Feeling kind of ridiculous for opting not to use the spring compressors I already have.
     
  12. Oct 8, 2021 at 2:26 PM
    #12
    COTundie

    COTundie [OP] Whoa Black Betty

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    Crisis averted! Thank you all for the suggestions. They were quite timely and of great value to me.

    I really didn't understand how much force was needed to get that sucker seated.

    In the end I purchased a 25" automotive pry bar (pictured below), and was able to tap the collar in the rest of the way with a momentum enhancing implement (BFH).

    20211008_115241.jpg

    I did not put the truck in 4Hi because I was worried that the shaft might only be partially engaged, and if I rolled in 4wd it might shear some splines. So I jacked up the hub assembly to straighten out the axle shaft, rotated it back and forth a few times while getting a gentle start on tapping. Once I saw some movement and was fairly sure there was no binding, I started to drive it home with more force.

    20211008_115308.jpg

    The diff fluid that leaked out actually looked great, so I just topped it up with almost a quart of M1 75w90

    Doesnt seem like I damaged the seal too badly, as we are leak free, and I quite like the difference the Eibach kit has made!


    The ride is a bit more stiff than the factory Billi's with 150k on them, but they handle corners and large road hazards much more competently. Thought the lift was a bit much even having set the coils to 1" below max, but after a short drive, they have settled to a more reasonable level and I imagine will settle a bit more in the coming weeks.

    This picture was before driving and settling... I will take more in a couple weeks.

    20211008_134438.jpg

    Weird side effects from this little adventure:

    The 65mph shimmy that reared its head after I replaced all pads and rotors, and rotated my tires a couple months back, and was not cured with a 4 wheel ballance.... Gone

    I have also been planning an ECGS bushing install to replace the needle bearing sometime this winter when I can clear my schedule a little more. You know, ya read about this stuff and go wiggle your DS front axle shaft, and find there is more play than expected... Today after reseating the axle shaft there is almost zero play. I fully assume it will work its way back to its previous state, but just an interesting observation.

    Thanks again all. Hope this helps a newb in the future... Or maybe me again when the Alzheimer's hits.
     
    Sierramare’ and gosolo like this.
  13. Oct 8, 2021 at 2:32 PM
    #13
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Did you tighten your lower control arms with the truck in the air or on the ground? Just in case, needs to be tightened on the ground otherwise you will be risking prematue bushing failure on those. Just trying to save your skin!
     
    Cruzer likes this.
  14. Oct 8, 2021 at 2:43 PM
    #14
    COTundie

    COTundie [OP] Whoa Black Betty

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    Ah Jesus... i should know this as the same applies to my bimmer (without the eccentrics of course).

    Thank you. I shall break out the wrenches once more. Though I believe I tightened while the hub assembly was in a raised position...

    Might even soften things up a bit
     
    2mchfun likes this.

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