First let me say I’m embarrassed to admit this but through some very unfortunate misunderstandings, my front dif ran dry long enough to mess up the pinion bearing nearest to the gear. :( So much for the checklist. :mad3: This caused it to start turning the cup in the case, eating shims etc. Really bad news is it ate out part of the case as well. I used one of my set up bearings as a test, and the cup basically drops in and out with no pressure at all. Based on eyeball measurements there is about a 32nd of a play around the cup near the gear side which tapers back as it comes to the bearing seat.

Good news is the power loc and carrier bearings seem to have survived with no to minimal damage,

Enough about the problems

Is there any fix short of a new housing? I am assuming the housing is basically ruined unless one of the great minds on this site has a clever fix.
Can the housing be machined and sleeved, or machined for a larger bearing?
A real back yard fix, but would JB weld hold up under a pressure type load? Yes I realize the bearing would basically be glued into the case.
Does anyone in the Vacaville, Sacramento area have a model 27 Jeep front axle they would part with?

:usa:

I'll assume there must be a good reason you want to save the 27 so we won't bother going there.

At least feel out the swap options. Maybe a Heep 30 with disks. Second go see us Binder boys. 27's came in all the early Scouts and are a throw out as soon as the serious work begins. The axles are around 58" WMS to WMS. Might be an easy swap.

Joe

They're MUCH wider than a stock early jeep axle Joe. :eek: I'll second his opinion about replacing the 27. FWIW when I yanked mine a couple years back I couldnt give it away. Power lock and all went and got melted down.

main reason for not replacing the 27 at this time $$$$$. and the power lock is nice. The parts all came from a scout axle in the begining.

I know alot of guys are running the 30 and 44 fronts but other than the closed knuckles, are there other problems with the 27?

thin tubes, smaller ring and pinion, closed knuckle...

Originally posted by HighHooder
thin tubes, smaller ring and pinion, closed knuckle...

Dont forget drums.

do a search for "dana27" a guy was giving one away a few weeks back.

Yea that was me. I gave it away to FULLSIZE last week. He was going to use it as a mock up axle, to make it look like his jeep was driveable. Contact him and maybe you can do a trade. He lives in Sac. By that way if you need a hand let me know because I live right next door to you! 7074371106 I'll be more than happy to give you a hand.

Thanks,
I picked up a used one yesterday at Capital Jeepers for about $100, but maybe I can return it. After all, its nice and clean now.

If he just needs a mockup axle, I have a clean one that is ruined on the inside. I'll try to get ahold of him.

Hey I got your message earlier today. I spoke with your wife and she told me that you were off picking up more parts!:D Call me tomorrow around 3:30pm, and I should be awake.