Rear Diff and Half Shaft problem!

[Fatboy 18]

OK, as some of you know I damaged my car on the Drag Strip ( I only got 10 feet off the start line when the UJ went BANG!)

The result of this is that I have damaged the Halfshaft and have done damage to the Left Hand side Output shaft coupling where the UJ would sit. One of the central cast tabs has sheared off, so I need to replace the LH output shaft.

So here's the questions from a novice......

1/ Can the LH Output shaft be replaced without compleatley removing the diff from the car?

I was thinking along the lines of, draining the oil, unbolting the Drive Shaft, unbolting the RH Halfshaft, supporting the Diff then unbolting the rear Diff cover (to gain access) and using a pair of long nosed pliers opening the Circlip holding the LH output shaft and draw it out from under the car?

2/ Would this work?

3/ Do any of you guys have experence with this problem?

4/ Haftshafts, These come in two pices with the rubber gator in the middle. can you get just one end of do you have to replace the whole thing?

5/ If you replace one Halfshaft does it have to be ballenced to match the one on the other side of the car? IE: Do you have to buy a pair?

6/ Which replacement UJs should I be using? The Manual says not to use aftermarket UJs due to the High Torque of these cars! Any advice please

Thank's Mark.

Here's some pics of the damage!

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The Damaged end of the Halfshaft!

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[dave6666]

It's hard to tell in that picture, but the yoke on the diff really doesn't look damaged. Just the screws and straps which get replaced anyway. If it just has a few burrs or dings, hand finish them back out and motor on. If it is indeed bent, you need a new one.

The halfshaft is not serviceable per se. Short of replacing the u-joints. You would not need to replace but the damaged side if you opt for a new one. You could carefully with a drift peen that smashed area back over so you can get the retaining clip out and then if the old cup presses out cleanly, re-use the shaft. That damage almost looks cosmetic. This all assumes the shaft did not get tweaked, or bent.

Save yourself some money on the OE joints. Here's the Dana Spicer part. $25 off the web. Or go get butt sexed at the dealer for them,

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[Fatboy 18]

Thanks for the feedback Dave

Where are they made, is it a USA product or China?

OK, forget that, I just used Google to check out the company history Nice to know their an American Company, it turns out they also have a branch in the UK, I will give them a call in the morning

 

[Fatboy 18]

"It's hard to tell in that picture, but the yoke on the diff really doesn't look damaged. Just the screws and straps which get replaced anyway."

Dave, the top central Tab has sheared off completely leaving that shiny silver bit of the casting displayed

 

[dave6666]

Well, back to the pic, unless it's pointed out like you now have, I will stand my ground that it was otherwise difficult to tell exactly the damage. Or not.

That missing part of the casting is important for retaining and locating the bearing cup. I would replace that yoke. The bearing cup will otherwise walk outboard over time and start to vibrate due to the shaft running off center. And then eventually fly apart and break when it's had enough.

 

[Fatboy 18]

Yep, :yes:

I had a phone call this morning from Geoff Houser, http://www.hauserracing.com/
Geoff had done some research and it turns out the Output shafts for our cars are no longer made!

So I'm making a few calls to try and find one on a shelve somewhere!

 

[bluesrt]

looks like the one ear is broke that centers the u-joint? no ? (on the yoke)

 

[dave6666]

You might try the normal array of used dealers. Probably get edited if I list them here, but also try Unitrax. They might have a used pile 'o parts.

 

[Fatboy 18]

looks like the one ear is broke that centers the u-joint? no ? (on the yoke)

Yes that's correct

 

[Fatboy 18]

Just found a new one on the shelve at Partsrack
Thanks JonB

 

[Fatboy 18]

Well, what are mates for Looks like Neil and Ade got busted at VOI getting me a new Halfshaft

Got caught getting bits for fatboy cost Ade $800.00 to get us out of it

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[MTGTS]

You CAN change the output shaft but the diff does have to come as I don't think there's enough room to do what you need to while it's still in the car. There's 1 C clip that needs to be opened up and it slides right out. I have done this on mine but while it was out of the car. It was a PITA even out of the car. Got mine from Scharfs for about $100-$125

 

[Fatboy 18]

OK thanks for the info, its just a pain as I have a rear exit exhaust system I may have to remove

What type of pliers are required for the Job, can you remember?

 

[MTGTS]

Thinking about it some more it'll def. have to come out.


Plires are retaining ring pliers/ C Clips pliers.

 

[Fatboy 18]

Thanks