replacin axles bearings and seals, need alittle help

[screeminDemon]

I've read that I need to remove the "buttons" in the center chunk before putting in my new axles since they have green bearings installed. I can't see how they come out, I'm attaching a picture. Thanks for your help.

PS - the button came out almost 1/2" when tugging with my magnet.

Rear end is 8.75 with sure grip 3.91gear

 

[Charrlie_S]

The "button" does not have to be removed if the axles have been shortened at the spline end (3/16 inch each if I remember correctly). Did you do the bearings yourself, or buy new axles with the bearings installed. If new axles, check with the manufacturer/supplier, to see if they shorten them when using green bearings.

 

[screeminDemon]

thanks for the info! I got the axles with green bearings installed from Dr. Diff (Cass Eslick) as recommended by this site. I just tried calling him but no answer... probably taking the day off since its sunday.

Does anybody know if Dr. Diff cuts the axles to fit the rear end without having to remove those internal buttons?

 

[65 Dartman]

I believe you have to use an appropriate size punch on the little pin to separate the two halves then remove with a magnet. I will be having the reverse issue - I need to install the thrust button to use tapered bearing axles with my 2.94 SG

 

[Darter6]

I just got a e-mail (in the last few days) from doc diff about the same subject.
His responce was if you are using the snap ring style green bearing,stock housing,stock axles then leave thrust buttons in. The early style that was sold by Mopar with the crimped on 5 hole retainer you must remove the buttons.

 

[screeminDemon]

thanks for the info fellas! it sounds like I should be good to go without removing buttons... although not exactly sure about the early style 5 hole retainer deal... not sure I could recogize what that is on my chunk. Any other info is appreciated, otherwise I['m gonna go for it as soon as I get my new leafs

 

[screeminDemon]

Well I've got my new leaf springs installed, housing is installed and pumkin is in. But Before I slide in the axles I have a question about the gaskets:

I'm using new axles with green bearings installed (from Dr. Diff). I only received the paper/composite gasket for where the housing backplate mates up with the axle plate, but I've read on other sites that I should also be installing a thin steel gasket? (or rubber coated thin steel)
Does anybody know the correct gaskets to install in this situation? Thanks!