Ok im trying to put the drivers side axel out of the tube to replace the whole left drum assembly thats all banged up. this is an 8.8 track-lok i just got from the junk yard. I know that i need to take out the bolt, then the long pin. After that I push in the axel and remove the C-clip and the axel will slide out. But im stuck before i started. My question is..what is the Z shaped thing in between the spider gears? the long pin is inbetween these two Z shaped things. They appear to be there to keep the spider gears in place. How do i remove these so i can actually get started. And once i am done how do i go about installign them again safetly? I dont intend to remove the spider gears i just need to pull the drivers side axel out. Thanks guys

 

get a magnet and remove the c-clips and it should slide out

 

yes, but it appears that Z piece is in the way of the C clips. I need some experienced people here.

 

heh, you happen to have a limited slip axle, that is a preload spring. after you pull the crosspin out grab a hammer and a punch and just tap it out of the diff. then you can push in the axle and get the c-clip out. when you go to reinstall it, get the axle and c-clip all back in, then grab a pair of vice grips and compress the spring back down as much as you can and tap it back into the diff, then slip the crosspin back in and put the retaining bolt in.if you can manage to tap the spring out just enough to get the c-clip then do that and it will be easier to get the spring back in place if it isn't totally removed from the spider gears. but yea, after you slip out the crosspin the spring just taps out.

 

awsome! just the help i was looking for thanks man!!!!

 

the c-clip should clear the spring, if your not able to move the axles enought check if theres an abs sensor on the backplate if there is remove it hes the one blocking you. I have done a couple of those diff and never had to remove the spring except to service the clutch behind the side gear.

 

Um you don't have to remove the z-spring to remove the axle shafts. I just did this the other day. Just pull out the crosspin and it will stay in place. Push the shaft inward and take a screwdrive and pop the c-clips off the axle then pull it out.

 

bingo, there's no need to remove those z-springs.