Chrysler 8 3/4 Axle bearing and Seal R&R...A How To

[threewood]

Hi there from the Netherlands. I stumbled on your (great) topic online. I pulled the axles this week, and a spacer button came along. The other one is lost, probably in the housing. So maybe, using your magnet method, I will not need to pull the diff out to retrieve to spacer button?! That would be amazing. I want to ask you, how did you install these spacer buttons back, with the diff still in the housing? Glued to axles, or a long stick/magnet device?

There was only 1 spacer button. And yes, I glued it to the axle.

Edit: One button for the Eaton TruTrac.

 

[khryslerkid]

Hi there from the Netherlands. I stumbled on your (great) topic online. I pulled the axles this week, and a spacer button came along. The other one is lost, probably in the housing. So maybe, using your magnet method, I will not need to pull the diff out to retrieve to spacer button?! That would be amazing. I want to ask you, how did you install these spacer buttons back, with the diff still in the housing? Glued to axles, or a long stick/magnet device?

This is a set of thrust buttons with the pin that has been taken apart. The red arrows are the buttons, the blue arrow is the pin that holds them together. The buttons are inserted one on each side. If the pin is broken, one of the buttons could be stuck to the axle when removing or fall out into the housing. You need both installed in order to set your axle bearing preload.

 

[Highway6]

There was only 1 spacer button. And yes, I glued it to the axle.

Edit: One button for the Eaton TruTrac.

Ok glued! One button only for the Eaton TruTrac, all clear thanks!

 

[Highway6]

This is a set of thrust buttons with the pin that has been taken apart. The red arrows are the buttons, the blue arrow is the pin that holds them together. The buttons are inserted one on each side. If the pin is broken, one of the buttons could be stuck to the axle when removing or fall out into the housing. You need both installed in order to set your axle bearing preload.
View attachment 1952179

Yes I learned this last week about these buttons and pin constructions, and their purpose. Since only one button came out, and the other one is nowhere to be seen, it might be somewhere in the housing. And the diff will have to be pulled out anyway, before that button will cause damage.
I do wonder if this "lost" button was in place anyway. Because the axle bearing collars on both sides have been rubbing against the axle oil seals. And endplay was too much, before I pulled the axles.