Gravely_Man

I have searched many sites on how to replace both the driver’s side and passengers side front drive shafts. I can not locate any information on the 2nd generation 4-runners. I also have the Toyota service manual for my truck. Even following the manual step by step I am having an issue where I can’t get the spacing washer and retaining ring on the shaft without bending the heck out of the “Dust Deflector.”

I am using remanufactured shafts from NAPA and brand new “Dust Deflectors” from Toyota. Any suggestions please let me know.

mt_goat

All I know is it is easier if you press out those studs and replace them with bolts (or grind off the shoulder of the studs). I've not yet replaced my CV, but I have replaced the studs to make for an easier trail repair when the time comes.

EDIT: Oh after rereading your question, it looks like you have it on but can't get the retaining clip on. Have you tried unbolting the ball joint to move the hub in closer to the diff?

Gravely_Man

Here is the URL to a picture that shows where I am having an issue reinstalling the snap ring:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte..._axle/p721.jpg

Gravely_Man

Mnt. Goat,
I have not done that as the manual from Toyota that I am using doesn't have me doing that. Not saying I will not try your suggestion, just saying I am just following the manual step by step at this point.

I have also tried screwing a bolt into the end of the threaded outboard side of the shaft and having someone pull on that while I try to reattached the snap ring without any success.

Gravely_Man

fixed spelling

mt_goat

How close are you? Was the NAPA CV the same length as the one you took off?

Gravely_Man

Dale,
I am very close. without the Toyota dust deflector on I have no issues. Once I put the dust deflector on the shaft I can't get the snap ring on. From my untrained eye the issue is that the dust deflector mates up edge to edge on the back back of the hub with another metal edge seal and that is causing the issue.

To answer your question I wasn't smart enough to measure the shafts. Meaning measuring the original and the replacement. Do you think the shafts might be different lengths?

mt_goat

Here's some more ideas I'll throw out.

Change the angle of the control arm to get a little shorter distance from the hub to diff.

Loosen the bolts on the diff side just to get the clip on, then thighten them up.

Gravely_Man

Dale,
I really appreciate the quick suggestions. When I install the new shaft I slide it though the hub and then hook the other end to the differential where it is supposed to go. I do not tighten the bolts on the differential side so side to side movement (in and out of the hub) is not an issue. The issue to me appears to be that the dust deflector holds the replacement shaft too far out of the outboard end of the hub. I hope that makes sense.

mt_goat

Maybe someone that's actually done this before will chime in here. I've had the dust cover off before but its been 5 or 6 years now and I've forgotten how it fit on now.

Gravely_Man

Dale,
The dust deflectors are just gently pushed onto a step in the shaft. I did make sure the new dust deflector was firmly seated. Do you happen to know if the dust deflector on the shaft is supposed to mate up with the “ring” on the back of the hub (think of two glasses the exact same size put together open end to open end) or should the dust deflector on the shaft to inside or outside of the “ring” on the back of the hub?

mt_goat

See if this front end maintenance writeup is any help for you:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/front_end/

Gravely_Man

Dale,
Please keep the ideas coming. That didn't have any suggestion on getting the snap ring back on.


Karl

mt_goat

Are you doing this with the wheel off? If so, try putting the wheel on and let the weight of the truck sit on the wheel (ie, no jack holding it up).

Gravely_Man

Dale,
I have been trying to get the snap ring back on while the truck was jacked up and the wheel was off. I will give that a try of putting the wheel back on and lowering the truck down on the wheel to see if that pushes the shaft out more on the outboard side.

Any other suggestion you might have are greatly appreciated.


Karl

Workhorse

I had this same problem the a month ago when i rebuilt the brakes on my GF's 93 runner, I greased the Spindle bushings before I put it all back together. I couldn't get that darn clip on :-/ I had to pull the cv back and remove some of the grease (I used a grease gun and a needle tip to pump some in there since I have not made the tool to pump it in from the outside yet) It was just too much grease in there to let the cv slide far enough out.

Once i removed the excess grease I slammed the cv into the spindle and snapped the ring on like it was nothing.

The offending CV was a reman from a parts store i replaced about a year ago as well

hope this helps it worked on mine.

Gravely_Man

Workhorse,
I will give that a try. Thank you so much for replying.



Karl

Gravely_Man

Anyone else have any other ideas on what the issue could be in getting the snap ring on the outboard end of the shaft?


Karl

Gravely_Man

Anyone else have any ideas before rip my hair out?

Thank you,
Karl

bigt

ALL YOU NEED TO DO!!!
get 2 floor jacks place one under as close to the tire on the side your changing.. place the other one opposite side rear axle.. jackem both up and remove the 6 bolts around the cv.. and you can slide it out!!!!!

easyiest way i learned about it from a guy on this board and it took me an amateur only1.5 hours!