Need Help Removing Dana 60 Axle

[colnago]

Time to service the brakes in my F250, so I need to pull the rear axle to get to everything. I removed the wheel, and the eight axle nuts, but the axle itself won't budge. I thought it pulled straight out after that. Are there clips in the rear diff that hold it in? Do I need to tap it with a hammer? I tried a makeshift puller with a 2x6 and a couple C clamps, but no luck. What am I missing?

By the way, it is a Dana 60, isn't it? It's a '67 F250 Camper Special, 2-wheel drive, heavy-duty drum brakes.

Joseph

[colnago]

Upon further investigation (and a lot of swearing), it looks like a previous owner serviced the rear end at some time, then used RTV to put everything back together again. So, I'm fighting against glue that's holding the axle to the drum. Grrrr! Is there something I can use to break down the RTV? Or, is there some tool that will provide enough leverage to pull the axle out, and just rip the RTV up?

Joseph

[colnago]

Well, I found some stuff at Home Depot that I used to drown the axle. I'm not sure if it was this stuff, or just dumb luck, but the axle popped right out. Yay! Progress! Back to disassembly! I pulled out my 2-9/16" socket, that I bought especially for this project, only to find that the lock nut is 2-3/8"!

Huh?!? Everything I had read, everywhere, said that the lock nut is 2-9/16". So, what gives? Anyone have anything to suggest?

I decided that I had used up my daily quota of swear words, so I came in for an early drink. I'll measure again in the morning, and see if the RTV had temporarily stunted its growth.

Joseph

[1972hiboy]

even though you already got the axle shaft out it may help for future endeavors. Back when I was working in the truck shop for a lumber company, we used to take the long handled 10lb sledge and smack the face of the axle shaft. the force would drive the axle into the hub but the "bounce-back" is what would knock it loose everything from just age to heavy RTV silicon would shake loose using this method. Obviously one would have to exorcise judgement as to the amount of force needed to not damage anything. But ive have very good luck with this method.

[66f250cs]

You will need a flange gasket for each side for reassembly. Felpro #2931. Got mine at NAPA. Also, you might need a lockwasher to retain nut. Got mine at Six State Distributors part # DA30637. About 5.50 each. Bend tab over each nut. Six states is a truck powertrain repair shop and parts distributor. Don't torque to shop spec of 100 '# (IIRC). You'll shear the little tab off that engages into the keyway (slot).
I would recommend installing gasket dry onto axle, slip axle all the way in, pull out just enough to put thin coat of RTV black onto gasket (apply RTV to thumb and index finger then rub this onto gasket) then push axle home. Put RTV onto cones, install, then install lock washer and nuts. Tighten nuts opposite each other.
Other side, install gasket dry onto axle slip into place. You may have to rotate other side to get everything lined up to get axle to engage. Pull axle out just enough to apply sealant then install. If you pull axle too far it will drop down and it will be a challenge to get the unsupported end up into place. Use a short screwdriver thru the tapered holes to lift into place if necessary. Good luck.

[Ranchero50]

Just put the truck back on the ground and try to move it. I'm pretty sure the engines torque would break the RTV free.