willysmjeeps.com

Sirs, I have replaced everything exactly as before on bendix style front axle. Axle shaft moves free until spindle/backing plate torqued down. Center ball appears to be in center of kingpin bearings. New axle housing bushing and thrust washer installed as before. Spindle bushing replaced too. Flanged part ground down after initial try; still binding. Both sides. What am I missing? Thanks in advance.[/img]


Clint, M38


Hi Clint. Management here: I moved your post from the Web Site Ideas and Improvements board here to our Technical Board. If I assume you have an M38 we are discussing and it has a stock front Spicer 25 axle then it can have a Bendix, Rzeppa or Cardon joint in the axles. Each are assembled differently.

I would suggest you follow the better set of instructions found in the civilian CJ manual SM-1002 highest rev you can find. I have a copy of Rev 5 here on this site in my photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php You'll want to copy the pages on axle assembly from chapter M: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php.

There is also the remote possibility someone swapped in a much earlier Spice axle with the earlier Bendix joint as well. Compare your parts carefully to the M38 IPL and if you can to the CJ service manuals illustrations. A photo of your outer axles is worth a thousand words.

Thanks. I reviewed everything. Still bound up when I tightened spindle. I had ordered a few more spindle/ axle bushings than needed. I got one in the bag that had no oil channel. I only got one. With nothing to lose I changed the one out in the spindle for that one. Worked like charm without any honing or anything. I'll change out the right side also before moving on.

Thanks again. I'm sure there will be something more. I appreciate the advice.