Tips to re-install IFS

[kc15842]

Axle is separating from housing after Re-gearing

It came down fairly easy as I stacked 4x4's and had my floor jack to help steady the dif housing. What a mother to re-install. Very odd shape to balance on the floor jack to lift into place. Do any of you guys have any words of wisdom or tips to install this pig?

Thanks

 

[KidVermicious]

I think what I used to do was bolt up the driveshaft and the crossmember, and then I'd jack the diff up by the crossmember with a ratchet strap to keep it from rolling.

 

[DeclansDaddy]

I just did mine recently and grabbed a helping hand. I simply got under it and bench pressed it up while by buddy started the bolts. Once I got it up there I was able to use my knees to kinda take the load off my arms and balance it. I probably shoulda tried Kids method though. My old ass was feeling it for a couple days.

 

[kc15842]

Thanks, I tried the bench press method but wasn't able to have a free hand to install a bolt. I ended up using a strap on each side and the floor jack under and worked it into place. The bummer now I can't clear the front housing mount to install the front cross member. Its about 1/4" from clearing but its hitting the oil pan. Tomorrow I'll try unbolting the motor mounts and lifting the motor just enough to clear. What a royal pain, I should have had this thing on the road Saturday. My R & P setup better be perfect......

 

[kc15842]

My Christmas eve gift to myself, finally finished the front R & P and LS dif. I ended up using straps on each side and the floor jack underneath. Once in position I left the 2 rear mounts loose and jacked up the motor about 3/4" to clear the front cross member mount and finally got the cross member bolted in. Finally took it for a test drive this morning in the hills behind or neighborhood, what a difference with the rear locker ad the front LS. It just crawls up the steepest hills we have with no problem, finally.

Question, everything I read says the break in period is 500 miles. That's no problem with the rear and I already have 175 what about the front? How about if I run in 4H with out the axles locked? That should work right?

Thanks

 

[kc15842]

Problem and need advice. I took the truck for the first run and it drove fine. Latter I noticed a drop of lube on the garage floor and noticed the shortside axle had separated from the housing. Is the snap ring on the axle the only thing holding it from coming out?
When I took the axle out I had to really hit it hard with the dead blow mallet to separate the axle. Any thoughts??