Differential case spreader

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Sun May 05, 2013 2:50 pm

Okay have to take apart the front diff for sure, probably the rear as well, water was in the case. Does anyone have the specs on the case spreader? I have removed the bearing caps but everything is rock solid in there so I need one to get his apart. Or can these be bought somewhere?

Post by **wesk** » Sun May 05, 2013 5:50 pm

Actually a little working around and a prybar will usually pop the gear right out. Same going back in. Otherwise simply rig up something similar to what is shown in the manual.

Again just peruse my technical photo album for 90% of the answers that are sought after here on this site.

For easier reading open the large version:
http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gall ... 3/N216.jpg

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Sun May 05, 2013 7:36 pm

I dug through your stuff didn't see anything. I was hoping for actual measurements but I can see how it works. might try the two prybar thing first though.

Post by **wesk** » Sun May 05, 2013 8:04 pm

There are no measurements I can think of. If you want to build a spreading fixture take the axle pumpkin cover off and measure up using whichever holes you want to fasten it to. The actual distance you must spread the opening is only several 0.001"th's.

Using the pry bars you are only using the diff as the spreader and it works just fine. Putting it back together you slant it and get as much into the opening as you can and tap it with a brass hammer and it'll pop in.

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Mon May 06, 2013 5:41 am

if I do end up making one I will use the spreader holes, I had been kind of curious about those two big holes outside the diff until I looked at the spreader in the manual. Just got up so I will be heading out there once it warms up a bit and try the prybars.

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Mon May 06, 2013 6:43 am

I agree with Wes, pry it out. I am no diff expert and have only gone thru 4 (all Dana) in my lifetime and pryed the carriers all out and dead blow hammered them all back in.
Unless you are a doing it for a living or doing diff work all the time, I don't see having a spreader.

captw · Post by **captw** » Mon May 06, 2013 6:52 am

also, make sure (if you're doing the prybar method) that you have a nice soft spot prepped for the diff. to fall onto...an old thick blanket folded a few times will work...W

jimm · Post by **jimm** » Mon May 06, 2013 11:34 am

The spreader holes in the front axle housing are 10.5 inches apart, center-to-center. The holes in the rear axle housing are 12.75 inches apart. All are 7/8 inch in diameter.
I made a spreader that used the 3/4 inch diameter heads of 1/2 inch socket head cap screws to fit into the holes in the axle housings. Rather than the turnbuckle style threaded arrangement on the commercial spreaders, mine uses a small hydraulic bottle jack that I pumped until the carrier just slipped in or out with a little persuasion.

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Mon May 06, 2013 2:07 pm

Very nice Jimm. Just finished my measurements, was an 1/8th off on the front holes but the adjustability would compensate for that. How heavy of stock did you use? Not sure how heavy I should go. 2" heavy flatstock? 1/2" grade 8 bolts should hold it together.

I tried the two bar method, one of us on each bar and nadda, that thing is in there solid. The short bar was 2' so lots of leverage.

Post by **wesk** » Mon May 06, 2013 8:55 pm

One guy can pry one out himself. You have to be patient and get her in the perfect position. It's all in the feel.

Differential case spreader

Differential case spreader

diff. removal