Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: D-70HD rear axle rebuild (Read 230 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
D-70HD rear axle rebuild
It's been an expensive year of LD ownership, with the transmission and parking brake needing rebuilding, along with a new set of tires tires.
More problems were to come.
After eliminating the noisy transmission, I could still occasionally hear a faint whirling noise, that would come and go.
I had heard it for a couple thousand miles but had no idea what it was, other than was getting more noticeable .
A few weeks ago, coming home from a weekend at the beach, my wife went back to the kitchen to get something.
She asked what the new noise, that was coming up from the floor, was. It was right above the rear axle.

Oh ....., so, a few days later I pulled the axle apart and found a spun bearing, on the pinion shaft. Time for new gears.
Having rebuilt several Jeep axles before, and having most of the needed specialized tools, I proceeded over the next two weeks to re-gear it.
It was the most difficult job I have done in years, mostly due to lack of accessibility.
The differential weights close to 70 pounds and needed to be installed and removed several dozen times, in between shim changes. Hard to do when you are working off a creeper.
Let's say I was very nervous about how it would come out, setting gears is as much an art as a science and I had never rebuilt such a large axle. It's a beast compared to the Jeep's axles.
D70 HD rebuild | Flickr

To provide access to the axle's internals, the fuel tank needed to be removed. It was the perfect time to replace the fuel pump.
At a 100,000 miles, it was time.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/?start_tab=one_set72157684915984705

The axle now has 1300 miles on it and it's quiet and smooth.
Let's hope it stays that way.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: D-70HD rear axle rebuild
Reply #1 –
Wow!  nice (tough!) job.  Glad you had the expertise and tools to do it and thanks for a nice pictorial.
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!
Re: D-70HD rear axle rebuild
Reply #2 –
Larry, I continue to be amazed at your many talents and get it done attitude! I also wanted to compliment your photography skills; you do a great job with the camera in some difficult lighting conditions.

Back to the rear axle; I am curious if you had ever had the rear axle lube changed? And do you think the years of towing your jeep  caused premature wear? Or do you think that was just normal wear and tear at this mileage?

With the same year LD, and 131,000 non- towing miles, I am watching your adventures with keen interest. I appreciate your willingness to share the good, the bad, and the expensive.

Steve K. (about to schedule a preemptive fule pump replacement)
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: D-70HD rear axle rebuild
Reply #3 –
After seeing the flicker photos right after my last trip through Utah, I've been debating regearing to 4.56.  Overdrive is just too high for a e350 right at capacity.
1997 TK
Re: D-70HD rear axle rebuild
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Craig P  - 
After seeing the flicker photos right after my last trip through Utah, I've been debating regearing to 4.56.  Overdrive is just too high for a e350 right at capacity.
Re-gearing shouldn't be a problem but there will be a mileage penalty.
The E350s are lighter and, along with the 4.11 axle ratio, get 2+ more MPG than equivalent E450s.
 
When was ordering the new gears and bearings, I briefly considered  4.88 gears.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: D-70HD rear axle rebuild
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Re-gearing shouldn't be a problem but there will be a mileage penalty.
The E350s are lighter and, along with the 4.11 axle ratio, get 2+ more MPG than equivalent E450s.
 
When was ordering the new gears and bearings, I briefly considered  4.88 gears.

Larry
Do you have a cot set up in the garage for the UPS driver?  ;)

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB