8.8" Rebuild, Techies please come in

Petek · Jul 13, 2008

So, i tore down my rear end tonight in about 40minutes. I noticed i have a crazy amount of axle shaft play on the drivers side, i could actually feel it wiggle a lot when i was driving my car. heres a video please tell me what the heck is wrong or if this is normal?

second of all, im planning on powdercoating my axle housing in gloss black. Is it safe to sandblast the axle housing if all the openings are capped off? i really dont feel like sanding it down by hand.

Third of all, i do plan on rebuilding it myself, and upgrading to a 31 spline eaton LSD, 31 spline moser axle's, motive 4.10 gears, and a motive bearing kit. Does anyone have any good reads, or information on rebuilding the 8.8.

I did a rough inspection on all of the gears, everything looks top notch. heres some pictures for ya all.

before tear down

After

realitygt · Jul 13, 2008

for some reason i don't think that much axle play is alright. idk tho

Javi · Jul 14, 2008

AaRoN · Jul 14, 2008

You should replace the clutches with the SVT carbon ones like I got.

Petek · Jul 14, 2008

Right now, im thinking my clutch paks are completely worn out, thus why i have so much axle movement.

AaRoN said:
You should replace the clutches with the SVT carbon ones like I got.

Was planning on it Aaron :thumb:, this rear end is going to be the cat's ass by the time im done. ive read up on the rebuild process, theres really nothing to it. Shim the carrier until you have between .008" to .012" of backlash. and bolt it back up.

AaRoN · Jul 14, 2008

Sweet! You're doing exactly what I have planned.

LAFENATU · Jul 15, 2008

I would rebuild it with one extra clutch per side for more strength :thumb:

Paul · Jul 15, 2008

I've only pulled axles twice, but that amount of movement doesn't seem to be excessive to me. They should float easily enough for you to pop the c-clips out without too much difficulty. Please keep in mind, I'm no expert on rear axles, and that is just my opinion.

As for sand blasting it - you'll be fine as long as you MAKE SURE everything is properly sealed off. EVERYTHING. I plan on doing the same thing to a spare axle I have sitting in the garage. Oh, and you should coat is some neato grey or something - just because I want to see how something other than black looks before I do mine.

Paul.

Jrgunn5150 · Jul 15, 2008

The play is normal, it'd be hard to get your C-clips out with less.

Like Paul said, make sure it's covered off, I would pull the bearings and races to powdercoat it, kinda hot for them. Paul, how long does it need to cure at 400 degrees?

If you don't have the Eaton yet, just get a Truck T-lock with the CF clutches, just as tough, and cheaper.

I've done it about 15 times now, lol, so if you run into any trouble, just give a shout.

Paul · Jul 16, 2008

J.R. is right, I'd pull ANYTHING that isn't made of metal, and try to clean out everything to get the grease out before you have it coated. The part has to CURE at around 400 degree for 20 minutes, and with a big part like an axle, it will likely be in the oven a lot longer than that in order to get everything up to temperature.

Oh, and +1 on the 31 spline truck t-lok with carbon fiber clutches. I know two turbo cars running 10s at 130+ mph on that combo reliably.

Paul.

94Pro-5.0 · Jul 22, 2008

Paul said:
J.R. is right, I'd pull ANYTHING that isn't made of metal, and try to clean out everything to get the grease out before you have it coated. The part has to CURE at around 400 degree for 20 minutes, and with a big part like an axle, it will likely be in the oven a lot longer than that in order to get everything up to temperature.

Oh, and +1 on the 31 spline truck t-lok with carbon fiber clutches. I know two turbo cars running 10s at 130+ mph on that combo reliably.

Paul.

i got my carbon clutch 31 spline from an 03 cobra.

JR i'm gonna be doing my rear end soon so keep a look out for my questions!