Junk yard front diff clean up

[_mg]

Got this 1986 10-bolt from the junk yard and preparing it for swap on my '64. I pulled the axle and there is a gummy goo with rust particles in the axle tube. In addition, there is some on the differential cover too (that may be from me moving the axle housing around, it wasn't there when I first pulled it).

There was a collection of particles in the axle tube, most of which I could vacuum out but some remains on the tube walls, held in place by the old lube.

I am thinking I need to clean this out and, after reviewing another thread, it sounds like I should pull the carrier and take to a car wash to ensure it is cleaned up. I know I need to track the bearing cap placement and orientation and the shims.

I should be able to remove the carrier, clean it up the tubes, clean up the carrier itself in part solvent? Any other hints?

Other thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=146502

[sixnineK5]

Soak it with some engine cleaner, car wash inside/out. Might take s piece of all thread with a washer and run it through if its really caked. After its all clean you can use a broom stick with an old sock and some paint for the inner axle tube. Don't forget some new inner axle seals.

[_mg]

Originally Posted by sixnineK5

Soak it with some engine cleaner, car wash inside/out. Might take s piece of all thread with a washer and run it through if its really caked. After its all clean you can use a broom stick with an old sock and some paint for the inner axle tube. Don't forget some new inner axle seals.

Thanks sixnineK5.

[sixnineK5]

Hey your welcome. That axle is a lot cleaner than most of the ones I've drug home. The diff cover is easy to clean. I've thought about rigging up a wire wheel brush to attach to a drill so I could really clean out the tube, but I end up doing something else and get it cleaned up anyway.

[mike16]

make absolutley sure that what ever soap or detergent you use to clean out the housing, you must make sure to remove any and all residue of soap. all of it.

if you dont your oil will foam up and blow out of everywhere and will not lube your differential. clean it good

[_mg]

Originally Posted by mike16

make absolutley sure that what ever soap or detergent you use to clean out the housing, you must make sure to remove any and all residue of soap. all of it.

if you dont your oil will foam up and blow out of everywhere and will not lube your differential. clean it good

Thanks mike16, appreciate the help.

[msgross]

I wouldn't sweat it too much. If you pull the carrier put in new inner seals, fresh oil and put it back together. That things doesn't turn that often anyways...

I can count the number of times I use 4WD and i'm in snow country... degrease, putty knife, brake cleaner all work... I had mine blasted at an industrial shop.

[picklito]

I used to build axles and would run a ball hone down the tubes. You can buy or make an extension to reach all the way in.

[mike16]

just clean it when your done, get the abrasives and soap out!

[_mg]

Thanks for the help guys,much appreciated.