It is a snap ring. You need a tool to install it. The prongs of the tool slip into the holes in the end and spread the ring apart.


JMC

 

Thanks JMC. Went over to the local Sears Stores and bought a snap ring tool and BOINK... It took a whole 2 seconds. Thanks JMC... I'v got some black rtv and will most likely put it back on later. Got to install a light fixture first...

 

I need some help here fellas. I got the replacement axle tube housing all set up to put her back in and for the freaking life of me could not get the axle tub to sit flush against the differential case. Now matter how much I tried to remove the axle part which is still attached to the tire I could not make enough clearance to position the axle tube so it would go flush against the differential case And if I did get it close then the freaking top part of the axle housing which bolts to the frame kept barely getting stuck so I could not push the axle tube closer to the diff assembly ******* this was getting me pissed. I hope my neighbors were not out side. Here is a picture of where I'm trying to fit in the axle tub:
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As you can see the blue circle is the axle shaft stuck to the tire , orange line is where I'm trying to get the axle tub to fit in flush to the diff assembly. Can someone please tell me what I'm missing? From all the posts its supposed to fit in zip zip and I'm done. But this **** is really starting to **** me off . Any tip on how I can maybe first get the axle tube bolted up to the difff first but then I got to get that freaking axle out of the way so I can do that. Helllppp.

MP

 

I imagine that the differential is still bolted in place and the mounting point for the axle tube on the frame interferes with a straight line up of the axle tube to the differential flange. You will need to support the differential and unbolt it so you can move it to allow the line up of the axle tube. As a precaution I would recommend disconnecting the driver side halfshaft. If that doesn't allow enough movement remove the differential support that is bolted to the frame, 4 bolts.

JMC

 

Well I just went ahead and removed the driver side half shaft took a 1 and 1/4 size socket to get that off then a push and boink it came out then put the axle tube back on and then put the half shaft back in and bolt bolt bolt ahd cha cha cha and that is how you do the axle tube cha cha cha.

 

hey guys i know this post is a few years old but my axle housing is cracked also. it was mentioned at the beginning of this post that the factory service manual says it is ok to weld the housing. I would like some opinions if you guys dont mind on the welding idea. thanks for any help