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[neilh]

We're getting closer to rebuilding the TJ... by taking more stuff off! However with any luck we'll get started on putting some of the pile of parts back on really soon which is where the fun will really start 

So having pulled the front wheels, hubs and steering knuckles off we're looking at tidying up the axles a little. Having pulled the shafts out there doesn't appear to be any sort of seal at the very end of the axle tube - is that right? Also inside the opening is pretty grimy and rusty - any tips on cleaning that up a bit without getting loads of it deeper into the axle?!

Finally is there any reason not to slap a bit of chassis paint a little way inside the axle tube? It'll save trying to mask it off too much...

[francisolya]

Hello Neil,im pretty sure the seal is actually closer to the diff itself,your probably used to the norm jap or LR axles with seals at ends and full of oil,I think front axles with UJ's are designed like that because the shaft ends (UJ end)don't stay central in the tube when your turning (unlike a CV joint )

[neilh]

Hello Neil,im pretty sure the seal is actually closer to the diff itself,your probably used to the norm jap or LR axles with seals at ends and full of oil,I think front axles with UJ's are designed like that because the shaft ends (UJ end)don't stay central in the tube when your turning (unlike a CV joint )

Interesting, thanks - not really "used" to much as I'm pretty new to this! Looks like there are seals by the housing and the ends are open. I've seen some tube seals are available but our inner shafts seem to have a "collar" part to them already so I don't think the tube seals would work...

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[daggie]

get some of these 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2060353.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xjeep+axle+tube+seals.TRS0&_nkw=jeep+axle+tube+seals&_sacat=0
to clean the axle out, get a thin broom handle and screw a large penny washer to the end ,the scrape the crud out

[neilh]

get some of these 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2060353.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xjeep+axle+tube+seals.TRS0&_nkw=jeep+axle+tube+seals&_sacat=0

I was looking at these - but I don't think they'll fit. We seem to have a plastic piece on the end of the inner shafts which is presumably to keep large bits out, but there doesn't look to be much space between it and the tube...

to clean the axle out, get a thin broom handle and screw a large penny washer to the end ,the scrape the crud out

Ah nice - I'll give that a shot

[JamesH]

Get rid of those bits of plastic when you fit the tube seals

[neilh]

Get rid of those bits of plastic when you fit the tube seals

I did wonder about that but wasn't sure how far out the tube seals stick and whether the shafts are long enough?

Could always give it a go and find out I guess

[JamesH]

The plastic bits on there at the moment just slide off it can be hammered to pieces if you need the stress relief. The tube seals do a much better job of sealing the axle tube. It will all make sense when you start taking everything apart.

Stopping all the muddy water getting in the tube means you will have to replace the inner seals less often which saves the hours of labour involved with taking the front diff out.

[neilh]

Stopping all the muddy water getting in the tube means you will have to replace the inner seals less often which saves the hours of labour involved with taking the front diff out.

...which sounds good given the work we're putting in replacing bits and pieces at the moment

[georgen]

I have them on my TJ

[neilh]

Thanks folks. Have to see if we can find somewhere that does them and stick some on. Might as well given we've got the front end apart at the moment!

[wildwood]

Steve at FTE gets them in..... Or ....he got me some but that was about 14 years ago.....

[neilh]

Lol, I'll give him a call on Monday and see if he still does...

[neilh]

Interesting chat with Steve - seems the front axle might well be an early Cherokee axle after all and not a TJ...

I can see this is going to be a hell of a learning curve!

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