replacing front axle shaft

[isaac_alaska]

bought another truck, this has a broken front axle shaft, the short side. I'm pretty sure i have the technical manual with the exploded views and probably the clearance specs for the joints, and i think i have a few replacement joints and axles, even if they aren't new they should work.

is there anything else i should have on hand before i start? bearings, seals, etc? So far i've only driven the truck about 3 blocks, because the carb was leaking fuel and it was running really rich. so much for fresh oil...guess i'll be changing it again. it's already nice and black. at least it should stay clean longer this time, with the carb rebuild i just did

[ashyers]

Isaac,
Try this:

http://www.m37rebuild.com/Suspension%20 ... Items.aspx

Nice photos and such. It's pretty easy, but pulling the bushings can be a bear. You'll also need 10lbs of grease!

Dave has some neoprene inner axle seals that may be of value at:

http://jobrated.com/index.html



Andy

[isaac_alaska]

thanks for the links! looks like to get the inner seals and bushings out i would have to pull the center diff? does the inner seal slide all the way thru to the outside, or does it get installed thru the center cavity?

*edit*
I found my service book which covers the axles, and it has a very good diagram of how everything goes together. Should answer most of my questions (inner seals and bushings come out thru the knuckle, no need to remove the third member)

[Cal_Gary]

Pull the center chunk as a last resort but if you get to that point, do so then slide a long piece of pipe across to contact the far bushing, drive it out, then reverse sides and do the same.
Gary

[52PLOWERWAGON]

Another truck oh boy ...

ANY pics of the beast ?

[isaac_alaska]

one more question, I see there's supposed to be a spring inside the felt retainer on the knuckle. one side is completely missing the felt, spring, and metal retainer. i found the felt and retainer on ebay, but i haven't been able to find the spring. how important is it? or does anyone have a link or a source for the spring?

*edit*
nevermind, i should have checked MWM first...not only does john have the spring, the whole kit is much cheaper than any of the individual prices on ebay

[06boblee]

Wow! That one has the new gravity fed fuel delivery system already installed.

[isaac_alaska]

Wow! That one has the new gravity fed fuel delivery system already installed.

plus an electric pump behind the cab, plus the mechanical pump is still connected. plus leaky float needle. it gets LOTS of fuel...

carb is rebuilt, need to reinstall it. and i need to track down a front passenger side axle. all 4 pieces of it. i think i have one...it's a matter of finding it.

[52PLOWERWAGON]

geese, Isaac you have a problem, you have a very good problem though

i just talked to the guy i sold my first m37 to and he bought a nice rust free one with no bed and no motor
he said he wants 1500 dollars for the pair of them
so I'm going m37 shopping soon
and a guy that came to look at my truck said he knows where there are a couple more m37s hiding
so i will be stopping to see him soon

i may be developing a problem