![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 3,733
|
12 bolt differential pinion shaft removal
I want to remove the c-clips and pull out the axle shaft. This 12 bolt differential is giving me a hard time or I don't know what I'm doing. On my 1969 differential I removed the differential pinion shaft lock bolt and the pinion shaft fell out. On this 1963 one I was able to remove the lock bolt intact. But I can't get the pinion shaft to come out. I tried pushing it from both sides, and I tried using a socket and tapping on it with a hammer (lightly). It moves about 1/8 inch. It can rotate with the gears. What to do?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 3,733
|
Re: 12 bolt differential pinion shaft removal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfPleGYBbZY
Here I show what I'm trying. I removed the lock bolt, and tap on the shaft until it stops, then turn the gear 180 degrees and tap it back the other way. I think it is getting to have slightly more movement, but only barely detectable amount. I have been thinking about putting the cover back on, and filling the case with vinegar and rolling with it for a dozen miles, to dissolve rust. But the truck is not yet running so I'd have to hook up a tow bar and disconnect the drive shaft and pull it, which sounds like a lot of trouble. Another thing I've been thinking about is putting the lock bolt back in, turning it to the side that doesn't have the lock pin, and drilling and tapping a hole and perhaps use a slide hammer to get it out. Last edited by dmjlambert; 09-02-2024 at 03:00 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 974
|
Re: 12 bolt differential pinion shaft removal
It's been a while since I did mine but I don't remember having any difficulty removing the pinion pin once the pin bolt was removed. Maybe a little more persuasion? Don't let those pinion gears fall out. To clean it I'd just hand remove as much sludge as possible and then hit it with some solvent.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,721
|
Re: 12 bolt differential pinion shaft removal
Extremely worn differentials often have the shaft cut into by the spider gears. These require pretty significant hit to move. I use a drive and try and drive it as far as I can out the other side of the case and have the differential where it will still rotate. Then when it’s facing you grab it with a big pair of vise grips and wiggle if it doesn’t come out.
__________________
44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: Woodbine MD
Posts: 137
|
Re: 12 bolt differential pinion shaft removal
I may be doing the same thing this evening. Look for a new video on my youtube soon. I hope mine comes apart a little easier.
OLDMD 63C10 Rob |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 3,733
|
Re: 12 bolt differential pinion shaft removal
Thanks for everybody's input. I finally got that shaft out by using a bigger hammer as suggested (significant hit). If the first thing you discover doing yours is a broken differential pinion shaft lock bolt, there's another post of mine about how I dealt with that.
To remove this one I used heat when breaking the lock bolt loose. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Eastern Oregon
Posts: 2,342
|
Re: 12 bolt differential pinion shaft removal
You must have the patience of job !
__________________
71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: San Ramon,CA
Posts: 508
|
Re: 12 bolt differential pinion shaft removal
Was there just an accumulation of crap on the shaft preventing it from going willingly through the gears?
__________________
1970 C10 Custom longbed 350/350 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 3,733
|
Re: 12 bolt differential pinion shaft removal
I have not figured out what was blocking the pin from coming out. Member RustyPile PM'd me and has given me some homework and procedures to evaluate the condition of stuff in there.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: Woodbine MD
Posts: 137
|
Re: 12 bolt differential pinion shaft removal
Mine was filled with about an inch or two off gooey sludge. Not rusted like yours, just black sludge and smelled terrible. Mine did come apart pretty easy though.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|