Taking Forever...the Willys Build

[justjeepin86]

There are a few places that make UHMW bushings to replace those spindle bearings. I prefer them, as you dont have to deal with the needle bearings.

That's a good idea. I just may have to make some of those if I can find some material laying around.

 

[paradisePWoffrd]

Longfield sold them in the past, not all sure who sells them now. They would be easy to make for cheap, if you had a lathe or creativity. They were more expensive than the needle bearings but dont go bad.

 

[skyhighZJ]

Bought mine from ECGS. Only hold up was the warning of dailydriving could have premature wear on them but I never had an issue and I drove mine all the time the road.

 

[McCracken]

Some days are just better than others. Unfortunately, yesterday was not one of those better days. I knew going in it was going to be a battle. It reminds me of that Sam Elliot line in The Big Lebowski. Sometimes you eat the bear...and sometimes, well, he eats you.

I tried to tackle removing the ball joints. I don't have my vice set up yet so that was strike one. Secondly, I didn't have a clamp big enough. Thirdly, I don't own a ball joint removal kit. Fourthly, I started out in the wrong direction And lastly with my keen shop skills I used two 4x4s, three stacked impact sockets and my 3lb love (sledge). Behold:

Worked like a champ however it did take longer than I had hoped. Next up was these bastards.

These were by far the worst axle joints I've faced. Froze up something fierce. At this point, I was getting the idea I needed to go. Nothing good was going to come of this day. I beat the shit out of one set and got them apart but that's where I stopped.

Next purchase is a press. HF has a sale going on in two days. I'm going to swing by and pick one up. The hell with beating and cussing these things apart. Plus, I'll need it to tackle the rear bearings.

 

[paradisePWoffrd]

you can "rent" a balljoint press at the parts stores. The hot wrench might have helped you also.

But a press is a worthwhile investment, IMO.

 

[McCracken]

you can "rent" a balljoint press at the parts stores. The hot wrench might have helped you also.

But a press is a worthwhile investment, IMO.

I used the hot wrench. I just failed to mention it.

 

[Pless]

I've got a ball joint press you can use, but since you went and decided to move off to TN I guess it's not very convenient to pickup now.

 

[McCracken]

I've got a ball joint press you can use, but since you went and decided to move off to TN I guess it's not very convenient to pickup now.

Unfortunately not. However, I still owe you that flex plate and bolts. I haven't forgotten.

 

[Creekin]

Are you looking for another axle shaft?
I have one from a waggy that might work...
Send me a PM if you are interested.
Cost? Cheap... (free to good home...)

 

[thecj3man]

Unfortunately not. However, I still owe you that flex plat and bolts. I haven't forgotten.

I have a ball joint press and a hydraulic press you can use just West of Kingsport in Fall Branch, if it will get another old vehicle back on the road. Just offering because I know it sucks moving and living away from where home is.

 

[McCracken]

Are you looking for another axle shaft?
I have one from a waggy that might work...
Send me a PM if you are interested.
Cost? Cheap... (free to good home...)

I'll send you a PM

I have a ball joint press and a hydraulic press you can use just West of Kingsport in Fall Branch, if it will get another old vehicle back on the road. Just offering because I know it sucks moving and living away from where home is.

Thank you for the offer. I went to HF today and picked up their 20 ton press. Hopefully, that'll get the job done.

 

[mncdriver]

[FONT=verdana,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif]I l[/FONT]ike that spindle nut way better than the cheep one I have. Where did you buy that one? Google was not very helpful with just that part number.

 

[McCracken]

[FONT=verdana,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif]I l[/FONT]ike that spindle nut way better than the cheep one I have. Where did you buy that one? Google was not very helpful with just that part number.

The socket? I got it at NAPA.

 

[McCracken]

So after a big day in the yard yesterday I figured I'd hit the shop. I put together the new HF 20 ton press. It's not for the professional but it'll do. I'm glad I didn't pay full price.

Today I thought I'd tackle the axle shaft u-joints. Holy damn these things were bad. I'm really not sure how I got one cap out already with the 3lb sledge. I stuck it under the press and figured I'd give it a little heat with a propane torch. I started waving it around the ears. Heating, heating, heating...POW!!

Awesome. At this point, with a little consultation, I decided to cut the remainder of the joint out and just press the remaining cap out.

so with that out I take a look at my handy work and I see this...

As you can see the ear is slightly bent in. I took a piece of c-channel and threw in a small "wedge". Once heated, I drove the wedge in and straightened things out.

I then repeated the same technique for the long side axle shafts. Same issues as before. U-joints were froze up and not going silently into the night. It took me all afternoon to do this silly shit. These were by far the worst axle joints I've ever faced. I don't know why but I feel the new joints will be a PITA. When ears move and joints bind you just get that feeling.

 

[paradisePWoffrd]

Cleaning up the bore with a drum sander should help with me joint fitment.