Rear axle shaft removal

[bigtoyfreak]

Hey, just looking for some info on the most pain free way to get a rear shaft and bearing out of the portal on a 404. The outer bearing race fits so tight into the portal housing that I can't get it to slide out. I thought about a slide hammer but there is no place to attach it....everything is smooth. I'm looking for a solution without disassembling the portal and pressing the shaft out from the other side. Ideas?

[Puffdragon]

Fastest way is to break the box open, and slip out the shaft. We did that as a trail repair last weekend. We did it in less than an hour going very slow and relaxed. All you have to do is remove I think 12 bolts. Then the case just splits apart. The shaft will slip right out.

Sometimes the main shaft bearing is a little loose, and you can yank the shaft out, but if its tight, it will be a bitch. I suggest not even trying.

[xtremexj94]

Corey - I ended up having one drive gear just pull out of the large outer bearing and the other side I had to press out - didn't take much pressure.

Shane

P.S. - I'm assuming you were talking about the main drive gear not the upper shaft, right?

[Puffdragon]

I think he is talking about he shaft. either way, its best to split the case

[bigtoyfreak]

Fastest way is to break the box open, and slip out the shaft. We did that as a trail repair last weekend. We did it in less than an hour going very slow and relaxed. All you have to do is remove I think 12 bolts. Then the case just splits apart. The shaft will slip right out.

Sometimes the main shaft bearing is a little loose, and you can yank the shaft out, but if its tight, it will be a bitch. I suggest not even trying.

I wanted to avoid breaking the box open because it means yanking all my brake shit off too and that's a pain. I know I got a rear shaft out 2yrs ago without breaking anything down....I just don't remember how I did it!