Rear Axle: Thrust block stuck backwards

[Ron Dame]

Dana 44 twin trac. I pulled the axles to repack the bearings, possibly for the first time ever from what I see, and of course one of the thrust blocks falls out. It's backwards, and I can't get it out or to flip to the correct direction. I used my magnet on a stick thing, and the POS fell apart, leaving the magnet somewhere in there too. I can't seem to get the thrust block out so I can turn it and reinstall it, nor can I find that magnet. Without tearing the whole diff apart, does anyone have any ideas how to get teh thrust block and magnet out?

[gordr]

Find a dowel or broomstick that will fit in there, and epoxy a dime-size rare-earth magnet to the end. Let the epoxy set up real well before using that tool to fish for the lost lambs.

[Ron Dame]

it seems the magnet on the dowel isn't as strong as the one lost when first retrieving the button

[StudeRich]

If the lost Magnet is pretty strong, it very well may be stuck to the inside of the Axle Tube, so you will have to knock it off with your broomstick first.

[Ron Dame]

I'm afraid the magnet may be inside the chunk, I can't see it looking down the tube. And I think it may be holding the thrust block in place, so that I can't get it back out.

How horrible a job is it to remove the chunk with the axle in the car? Will I need any of the special tools to remove and replace?

[DEEPNHOCK]

Take it over to any decent 4wd shop. They work on Dana 44's all the time and have you fixed up in a couple of hours.
The forum isn't going to fix your problem....
There is a case spreader tool made that will assist in the removal and reinstallation of your carrier.
But the cost of the tool will be more than having a shop pop out your carrier, grab the loose pieces, and put it back in.
Since you are not changing any settings, no readjustment is needed (unless your tooth pattern shows something irregular.

I'm afraid the magnet may be inside the chunk, I can't see it looking down the tube. And I think it may be holding the thrust block in place, so that I can't get it back out.

How horrible a job is it to remove the chunk with the axle in the car? Will I need any of the special tools to remove and replace?

[64studeavanti]

If you can turn the pinion, it is easy to remove the carrier. Drain it, remove the cover, and axles, remove the 4 bolts that attach the carrier. Now all you need to do is to place a shop rag between the ring and pinion teeth and turn the pinion. The carrier will back right out. To re-install, just use a dead blow hammer to seat in place, and reverse the removal process.

[Ron Dame]

If you can turn the pinion, it is easy to remove the carrier. Drain it, remove the cover, and axles, remove the 4 bolts that attach the carrier. Now all you need to do is to place a shop rag between the ring and pinion teeth and turn the pinion. The carrier will back right out. To re-install, just use a dead blow hammer to seat in place, and reverse the removal process.

I tried this method, and it worked for me! Actually, I did not fully remove the carrier, (Spare tire recess kept it from moving further) but when about 1/2 of the splined hole was visible, I was able to reach in with a roach clip and remove the magnet and replace the pin.

Thank you everyone!

[RadioRoy]

Haven't heard anybody call it a roach clip in maybe 40 years.

[Ron Dame]

Haven't heard anybody call it a roach clip in maybe 40 years.

Well I forgot what it's really called. It has been remanded to the tool box.

[bezhawk]

Some people call it an alligator clip.....just sayin'

[studebakerkid]

I would also try a long piece of PVC tubeing attached to your shop vac to tyr ans suck the magnet and rubbing block out.

[skyway]

Must be some pretty tiny alligators?

[Ron Dame]

Must be some pretty tiny alligators?

Guess so. BTW, do you know the easy way to tell and alligator from a crocodile? One will see you later, the other will see you in a while.

[E. Davis]

Boo-hiss...thats awful.