RWD Conversion - Front CV Mod
#61
It was a very subtle difference because the FWD transfers only a fairly limited amount of power to the front. I like the RWD feel better as it makes the steering a bit more communicative and the 70lb loss is a big plus. Another huge plus is the fact that with RWD you can run what ever tire sizes you want.
#62
skip this if you aren't going back to AWD
I was excited to try this because I wanted to go to RWD but the original DIY had one step I wasn't comfortable with: separating the axle from the stub with a hammer. I thought it would be no problem to try this method and spread the clip and then carefully tap the axle out of the CV.
It took me about 1/2 hour to get the front diff and prop shaft out. With the right impact wrench removing the hub nut wasn't too difficult and the stub/axle assemble popped right out of each side. I thought I was going to have an easy day at this point...
Then I popped one of the axles in a vise after removing the boot and cleaning all the grease out to reveal the clip. I had every type of small needle nose, ring spreading tools, clip removal tools, anything you can think of that would be able to work that clip while tapping the axle at my disposal. I spend an hour trying to spread and tap the first axle and gave up, thinking maybe it was just stuck. No luck on the second one either after 2 hours. I tried many tools that were designed just to separate retainer clips as well as ground down small needle nose pliers from 0 to 90 degree style and NO DICE!
Finally as we all do sometimes I got out the hammer in frustration. I laid the end of the axle over a block of wood with the stub hanging freely and angled down to expose the bearing race. I gave it a good smack (wearing safety goggles of course!) at the weak points above each ball and it took me literally less than 5 minutes per side to separate the stub once the race was cracked to pieces.
To anyone attempting this...if you are not going to be reverting to AWD, or even if you are, if your clips don't cooperate don't waste hours like I did trying to fight them! Just get out your trusty hammer. As a bonus, after delicately trying to finesse a small clip out of the center of the assembly, whacking it with a hammer felt great
It took me about 1/2 hour to get the front diff and prop shaft out. With the right impact wrench removing the hub nut wasn't too difficult and the stub/axle assemble popped right out of each side. I thought I was going to have an easy day at this point...
Then I popped one of the axles in a vise after removing the boot and cleaning all the grease out to reveal the clip. I had every type of small needle nose, ring spreading tools, clip removal tools, anything you can think of that would be able to work that clip while tapping the axle at my disposal. I spend an hour trying to spread and tap the first axle and gave up, thinking maybe it was just stuck. No luck on the second one either after 2 hours. I tried many tools that were designed just to separate retainer clips as well as ground down small needle nose pliers from 0 to 90 degree style and NO DICE!
Finally as we all do sometimes I got out the hammer in frustration. I laid the end of the axle over a block of wood with the stub hanging freely and angled down to expose the bearing race. I gave it a good smack (wearing safety goggles of course!) at the weak points above each ball and it took me literally less than 5 minutes per side to separate the stub once the race was cracked to pieces.
To anyone attempting this...if you are not going to be reverting to AWD, or even if you are, if your clips don't cooperate don't waste hours like I did trying to fight them! Just get out your trusty hammer. As a bonus, after delicately trying to finesse a small clip out of the center of the assembly, whacking it with a hammer felt great
#63
I was excited to try this because I wanted to go to RWD but the original DIY had one step I wasn't comfortable with: separating the axle from the stub with a hammer. I thought it would be no problem to try this method and spread the clip and then carefully tap the axle out of the CV.
It took me about 1/2 hour to get the front diff and prop shaft out. With the right impact wrench removing the hub nut wasn't too difficult and the stub/axle assemble popped right out of each side. I thought I was going to have an easy day at this point...
Then I popped one of the axles in a vise after removing the boot and cleaning all the grease out to reveal the clip. I had every type of small needle nose, ring spreading tools, clip removal tools, anything you can think of that would be able to work that clip while tapping the axle at my disposal. I spend an hour trying to spread and tap the first axle and gave up, thinking maybe it was just stuck. No luck on the second one either after 2 hours. I tried many tools that were designed just to separate retainer clips as well as ground down small needle nose pliers from 0 to 90 degree style and NO DICE!
Finally as we all do sometimes I got out the hammer in frustration. I laid the end of the axle over a block of wood with the stub hanging freely and angled down to expose the bearing race. I gave it a good smack (wearing safety goggles of course!) at the weak points above each ball and it took me literally less than 5 minutes per side to separate the stub once the race was cracked to pieces.
To anyone attempting this...if you are not going to be reverting to AWD, or even if you are, if your clips don't cooperate don't waste hours like I did trying to fight them! Just get out your trusty hammer. As a bonus, after delicately trying to finesse a small clip out of the center of the assembly, whacking it with a hammer felt great
It took me about 1/2 hour to get the front diff and prop shaft out. With the right impact wrench removing the hub nut wasn't too difficult and the stub/axle assemble popped right out of each side. I thought I was going to have an easy day at this point...
Then I popped one of the axles in a vise after removing the boot and cleaning all the grease out to reveal the clip. I had every type of small needle nose, ring spreading tools, clip removal tools, anything you can think of that would be able to work that clip while tapping the axle at my disposal. I spend an hour trying to spread and tap the first axle and gave up, thinking maybe it was just stuck. No luck on the second one either after 2 hours. I tried many tools that were designed just to separate retainer clips as well as ground down small needle nose pliers from 0 to 90 degree style and NO DICE!
Finally as we all do sometimes I got out the hammer in frustration. I laid the end of the axle over a block of wood with the stub hanging freely and angled down to expose the bearing race. I gave it a good smack (wearing safety goggles of course!) at the weak points above each ball and it took me literally less than 5 minutes per side to separate the stub once the race was cracked to pieces.
To anyone attempting this...if you are not going to be reverting to AWD, or even if you are, if your clips don't cooperate don't waste hours like I did trying to fight them! Just get out your trusty hammer. As a bonus, after delicately trying to finesse a small clip out of the center of the assembly, whacking it with a hammer felt great
#64
Powderhound, do you have a parts list do what you said above? I want to maintain my or shocks and H&R springs for know, but want to get more toe and camber and drop the front diff. Thank you.
#65
[url=https://flic.kr/p/fzqFcw]
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