The long-side gear shaft - how does it seat in the differential tube? What keeps it in place? I've got a FSM and a Chiltons, and neither is much help.

 

I think its a c-clip.....

 

I don't think there's any axle clips in a 3rd member setup... the bolts at the end of the axle tube holds the axle shaft in place

 

Aww, booger. Ok, I think I found it, there's a slot that looks like it might want a c-clip, right on the tip of the spindle where it meshes with the diff.

I'm going to have to open the diff to install that thing, aren't I? I was really hoping to not need to do that.

 

I do know theres a c-clip on the stub shaft and am pretty sure there's one on the long shaft....

 

...technically, I think it's called a snap ring....

 

It is absolutelt a c clip or snap ring, whatever you want to call it. Both shafts use that on a non add set up.

 

No u don't have to pull the diff to do this. And yes there are clips on both the short and long shafts. Just pull the axles out, put the clip on and push the axle back in.

 

Thanks, guys. I'm dreading the answer to this, is there any way to install that clip without disassembling the gears? I've got the front cover off, and I don't see any way to make that happen. I'm trying to avoid paying a shop, but I don't have tools or the knowledge to set the gears up again if I take them apart.

I love simulposting. Does the clipped shaft just kinda snap in, then?

I apologise for all the questions, but I haven't done this before, and this loaner diff came to me with the longside shaft loose, so I'm stumbling around in the dark here.

 

Yes it just snaps in

 

Huh. Allrighty then, I've got the c-clip on order from the dealership, so this sounds to be easier than I was fearing for a bit there. Thanks for the help!

 

I apologize about the thread jack, however I have a question about this.

I am going to be pulling an ADD from the IFS third and replacing it with a non-ADD. To pull the axles out, do I just unbolt, or will I have to pop into the differential to get access to this "clip"? I realize you said it will just pop in, but will it just pop out too?

Thanks!

 

Take a long handled srcew driver and pry between the axle and the housing, comes right out.