[Stephen]

Even though I bought the extra wheel/tire combo I went ahead with my idea for the axle cart because this will take up less space in my crowded garage and will make it easier to get the axle under the van when the time comes. The casters are spaced to support the axle tubes just inboard of the spring pads and will let me "roll" the axle on the cart to drain and fill and change the cover gasket.

Pic below shows how it will look in use. Ignore the upside-down-ness and pretend the trailer is not there. I already had to shorten the base board to clear the brake drums. I'll need to jack the thing up in the garage and put jackstands under the brake drums so I can remove the cart to get the other axle out of the van so I can put this axle back on the cart to take to the van..

Finally found the BOM on the long axle tube.

 

[Stephen]

Finally unloaded the axle today with a Harbor Freight chain hoist.

Axle cart works...

...and the rig is now in the garage for some tending before the install.

I'd like to keep my momentum on this but a spell of nice weather might mean switching to leaf blowing instead. Maybe Santa will finish this for me.

 

[Stephen]

The van is nearly ready for the axle swap. I have four more jackstands to help support this beast and need two or three dry days above freezing temps to do the work.

 

[Laser86]

Be careful.

 

[Stephen]

I need skyhooks.

 

[68RT]

I need skyhooks.

How about a warm garage with a lift?

 

[Stephen]

How about a warm garage with a lift?

I have a warm garage. I can afford a lift. What I need is an overhead door to clear a nine-foot-tall vehicle.

 

[68RT]

I have a warm garage. I can afford a lift. What I need is an overhead door to clear a nine-foot-tall vehicle.
View attachment 85666

Looks like room for an additional door panel could be installed. All problems like this are cured with bundles of money.

 

[Stephen]

Up on six jackstands and ready for about three warmish days to get the swap done.

 

[Laser86]

Did George Washington wait for 3 days of warmish days to cross the Delaware ? Throw on some long johns and an extra pair of socks and get this done, you are keeping us in suspense !

 

[Stephen]

Now you're making me feel bad. I'm not trying to drag this out. I'd like to be done and driving this thing.

 

[68RT]

Did George Washington wait for 3 days of warmish days to cross the Delaware ? Throw on some long johns and an extra pair of socks and get this done, you are keeping us in suspense !

Dear old George didn't have to grow the boat himself. Give the man a break.

 

[Laser86]

Now you're making me feel bad. I'm not trying to drag this out. I'd like to be done and driving this thing.

Joking, it gets done when it gets done. Working in warmer weather has its advantages, nuts and bolts mover freer, less " stings " when you bang your hands or fingers.

Are you planning on replacing the U - bolts, or re-using the old ones ? Figure the old ones will come loose ?

 

[Laser86]

Dear old George didn't have to grow the boat himself. Give the man a break.

That's the problem with the internet, it never crossed my mind that would have been taken for anything other than a joke. The man is doing a fantastic job with the van and the thread the last thing would want to do is ruin that. I completely apologize if that was taken any other way.

 

[68RT]

That's the problem with the internet, it never crossed my mind that would have been taken for anything other than a joke. The man is doing a fantastic job with the van and the thread the last thing would want to do is ruin that. I completely apologize if that was taken any other way.

My reply was also meant to be taken lightly.

 

[Stephen]

It was taken lightly, don't worry.

I'm thinking new U-bolts, even though I expect the old ones to come out.. I think the manual recommends that and they're fairly cheap. Also did new head bolts on the engine last year because of the manual's recommendation. I also have some front end parts to buy on that order.

 

[Stephen]

Hit a snag as I prepare to remove the bad axle and install the junkyard replacement. Seems that there's what appears to be an even bigger Dana 60 full floater than expected. Every one I've seen has the eight lugs and the protruding axle like this one, the one I recently bought. All the others looked like this or had the flat hub of the semi-floating axle.

So this is what I see after removing the wheels for the axle swap. I have not seen an axle configuration like this in all the research I've done for this swap. It looks like the axle must be removed before the brake drum can be removed. It'll complicate things. The original also has bigger lug bolts, 9/16" instead of 1/2".

Lug holes on a van wheel look too big for the replacement axle's lugs. Tapered lug nuts might not grip as securely as necessary.

If the original axle really is that special, it will be worth reconsidering my decision not to rebuild it. I can still have that done and run this expected replacement in the meantime. I'll also be dropping the tank for inspection and sender repair, and to give me a little more room under there.

 

[Stephen]

Decided to put the van up for sale in order to concentrate on loads of other projects. Asking $3500 and includes everything I've accumulated for the project.

 

[Stephen]

I've accepted a deposit for the van. The fellow is supposed to pick it up tomorrow.

 

[Laser86]

I can't imagine them designing the rear axle so it would have to be removed in order for the brake drum to be removed, could just be slightly rusted onto the axle and looks like it is one piece, but I could be wrong.

Could be possible that the replacement rear axle is a different year with different sized lugs and rims, or maybe the replacement rear axle calls for different sized lugs and rims altogether, but I have no idea.

Sorry to see you sell it.