Rear wheel bearings

[Tankjeepman]

I am working on a M43 for the Cavanagh Flight Museum. My first exposure to a M37/M43. We are doing a complete brake job starting with the rears. I got it disassembled and wanted to lube the rear bearings as well. There is not the usual retaining nut so I was wondering how the rear wheel bearings can be removed to repack. I checked the both TM's but they don't show a break down or disassembly of the rear axle. Your help would be appreciated.

[Cal_Gary]

Hello Tankman and congratulations!
You need the Dodge 2 and 9/16ths OCTAGONAL socket. They are readily available thru most tool suppliers, eBay, etc. DO NOT use a chisel to get them off!
Here's some sockets on eBay:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... g741+dodge

I'll pull my socket this afternoon and see if I can get you a make/part number.
Gary

[Cal_Gary]

Hi Tankman,
My socket is a Grainger OTC #1905:
https://www.grainger.com/search?searchQ ... lsrc=aw.ds

Hope this helps,
Gary

[Cal_Gary]

Oh, and TM9-8030 has all the info for tearing down your axles.
Two excellent parts vendors are Midwest Military out of Minnesota, and Vintage Power Wagons out of Iowa.
Feel free to reach out if you need guidance!
Gary

[Tankjeepman]

M43 rear axle.jpg (58.86 KiB) Viewed 623 times

Although this is my first work on a M43, I have rebuilt rear axles on various Jeeps, a 44 Chevy 1.5 ton, M8 Greyhound and M2A1 halftrack. The TM says this is supposed to be a full float axle with wheel nut. Look at the pic and this one has no wheel nut. It appears to be a semi float with a pressed bearing. I was surprised as all the other military trucks and tracks I have worked on were full float. As it turns ok I will probably let it be.

[PoW]

You need to pull off the seal plate with your fingers. The bearing retaining nut is under it.

PoW

[Frank Irons]

It is a full floating axle. Your photo shows the axle seal, and as stated above once removed will reveal the bearing retainer nuts.

Frank