9 inch axle removal

[mrtexas]

I have a Ford 8 or 9 inch axle on my 49 woodie. I'm trying to remove the axles so I can replace the pumpkin gasket to stop leaks. I took out the 4 bolts but the axle won't budge. What next?

[frnkeore]

Remove the 4 bolts on the retainer plate, then use a slide hammer to pull the axle.

Sometimes, they'll pop right out and sometimes not. Bigger is better (slide hammer) in that case.

[V8COOPMAN]

Take a piece of 1/4" or 5/16" chain about three feet long and attach the two end links over two opposite wheel studs using a lug nut on each. Before attaching the second end though, run the chain through the center hole of something like an old flywheel, something with some weight behind it. After the second end is attached to the second stud, give the flywheel (or whatever you used with some weight) a couple of "whangs" against the chain. Be careful, 'cuz many times the axle will just jump out with force. DD

[Flathead]

For an 8 or 9 inch rear you use a slide-hammer puller attached to the axle flange. The wheel bearing is a tight fit into the axle tube. This is not original to a 49 wagon. The lower pumpkin bolts on those rear ends originally had copper washers under the nuts to prevent oil leakage.

[JSeery]

You can also use a rim or a rim and tire if it will clear the finder. Put the lug nuts on very loose and bang the rim against them to remove the axle. A slide-hammer works better and a lot of auto parts shops have a tool loan program.

[mrtexas]

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thanks

[deuce lover]

Put the drum on backwards then screw the lugnuts on just a few threads .Grab the drum and use it as a slide hammer.

[Ggmac]

Originally Posted by mrtexas

thanks

Do check the welds on the axle tubes to center section and the weld on the center section. I've seen a few leak from them .

[woodiewagon46]

Tex, while you have the axles out, it will be a good time to have a look at the bearings. Also, if you have the capabilities, TIG weld in a drain plug bung. P.S. how is the woodie that Ron re-wooded for you coming along?

[philipswanson]

Originally Posted by deuce lover

Put the drum on backwards then screw the lugnuts on just a few threads .Grab the drum and use it as a slide hammer.

This is the way I do it too. Works every time.

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by woodiewagon46

Tex, while you have the axles out, it will be a good time to have a look at the bearings. Also, if you have the capabilities, TIG weld in a drain plug bung. P.S. how is the woodie that Ron re-wooded for you coming along?

95% complete. Focusing on the 49 now to get ready for sale and inside projects. Don't like to work in the garage when it is below 60F which is just a few weeks in Texas!

[alanwoodieman]

don't forget when you reassemble the pumkin to put brass washers under the nuts on the rear housing--turns out that was what was leaking on my 9"

[woodiewagon46]

Oh Tex, you're killing me. I don't like to work in the garage when it gets below 30 degrees. I'll trade any day.

[mrtexas]

Got it back together. Clamped it to a cart and lowered the car on it.

[Ggmac]

If I missed it I apologize, you have a 8" . Easy way to tell is the very bottom nut can be removed easily with a straight extension and a socket . The 9" requires a swivel socket as the pinion dips down and makes it impossible to get a straight shot at removing the nut .