z28zane

I just got my axles from strange (who is incredible to deal wit) and I have my 8.8 rear with MWC big Ford ends. Strange axles came with the tapered style bearing which is Timken A20, Set 20 however you would like to call them. The bearings are. It pressed into axles yet HOWEVER doing a dry run I tried sliding the bearing into the housing end and it is VERY tight... as in once it's on.. I would have to smack it in there. I called strange and they said that it should just slide In there nicely... anyone else experience this ?

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Mine definitely required some light taps, then the backing plate will pull it in and seat it fully.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Can compare your parts to mine here:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/gears-axl...t-install.html

z28zane

I was debating on taking some emery paper and sanding the housing end by hand to gain another .001" of clearance it just seems tight :/ do you have to use a puller to get the axle out ?

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I just pulled the axles out the other day and yes they required a firm tug, they did not just fall out

z28zane

Put it this way.... if I hammer these guys in they will not come out without a slide hammer.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I may have tapped the axle flange with a dead blow hammer. I remember them being snug.

MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

If you are experiencing this then there is a good chance your housing is crooked in comparison to the differential and housing ends. Which is something we hear about all to often after someone welds to the center portion of a 8.8 and starts their assembly.

z28zane

It isn't a hack job. I used mittler bros trying bar and pucks to keep it straight. I don't have the bearings on the axles yet just dry fitting the loose bearings into the housing ends.

maybe freeze bearing and heat housing end slightly?

MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

You can clean the housing ends to accept the bearing we do it here as well before assembly. They are steel so they will get a little surface rust on them or even a berry or two when welded on.

Always a good thing to clean them up to make sure they are smooth. We also put a little RTV on the seal during assembly to just insure no leaking but that is not a mandatory step just something we do. It does not take a lot as you do not want it getting into the bearing itself.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

Those damned expensive 9" rear ends somehow end up being cheap

z28zane

Don't remember this thread being about money or 9" rears ... some people build 8.8s because they have the hands to and it is satisfying fabricating something. I got the bearings in, took of .002 with a die grinder and sanding disk.