third member removal...or not

Timnvt · May 27, 2010, 12:31:15 PM

So, what's the trick of the trade to getting that third member loosed from the axel housing? I've got the bolts removed except for a couple safety bolts to hold it when it does separate. I cannot get that third member to release! Yes, ALL the bolts have been removed or loosened. I've hit it with a hammer. I've tried to wedge it a little with a chisel but I don't want to harm the face. What's it take?

I'm pulling the whole differential out of my wrecked mc5a with the drop box still attached. I should have enough clearance to get it out. Then I'll bring the whole shoot'n match down to SC for the pros to install.

Tim.

luvrbus · May 27, 2010, 12:34:33 PM

Tim, it has some bolt holes in the 3rd member housing 1/2 in std thread probably covered with grease just screw the bolts in the holes it will break loose

good luck

Timnvt · May 27, 2010, 12:37:17 PM

I'm trying to upload a picture of another third member. Not sure how to do it. If it materializes it shows holes at 2:00 and 8:00. I looked for those little holes. I scraped for those little holes. There are no little holes to thread into to back that sucker out.

rusty · May 27, 2010, 01:19:50 PM

Third members usually are not that hard to remove. Simple thought are the axles removed ?

Good Luck Wayne

TomC · May 27, 2010, 01:25:15 PM

You know those big axle hubs with 8 or so bolts on them? That's the inner axle member that is connected to the differential that transmits the power to the wheels. Once you pull out both sides of the inner axles, the third member should drop out. Beware-it is VERY heavy. Good Luck, TomC

bevans6 · May 27, 2010, 01:28:34 PM

When I have things like that, stuck together with gasket cement or goo, I take a thin scraper blade and hammer it in all around the flange. then i graduate to a wide blade, thin brick cutting chisel that I round off the corners on. Presuming the thing is set up to come out with the axles and all, of course. Some of the new goops are a PITA to get the seal to break.

Brian

Timnvt · May 27, 2010, 01:32:50 PM

Yeah, I had already pulled the axles. Good tip but not the problem this time.

I'm about to try the kitchen knife hammer idea around the gasket area.