Sweptline.ORG

Ok, I don't know if I'm using the correct terms here but last year I discovered that the driveshafts can move about an inch in and out at each side.
I made a short film showing it:
https://youtu.be/_VYZvDwHkQs

I did discover (with the help of "the Big Wise Book" better known as the workshop manual) that I could adjust this with a nut but that is only on the right hand side of the truck/axle. The left hand side is still just as sloppy.
So how do I adjust this on the left hand side?

Inside the traction unit there should be a thrust bushing/ button. It's a two piece bushing that comes together between the axles in the center. Yours is either worn out or missing. You should be able to Google it and find pictures to help you identify it and its location before you disassemble anything. Then you can pull your axles and using a flashlight see what's what.

By tractionunit, do you mean the the differencialhousing?
I'm a little new to this but would it be correct of me to assume that I got a 8 3/4 rear end? It does not look like it has a removable cover on the back.

Looking at this picture, it looks like the one in the middle.

I could also find this picture, but I'm not sure what I'm looking at:

The traction unit is identified as case in the parts break down. It supports the ring gear and is supported by the carrier. Inside the traction unit where the axles meet you should see a thrust button. When you adjust the axle end play your moving the one axle in toward the opposite axle. A lot of people loose the thrust button or just plain leave it out.

Ahh, thank you. Now I know what to look for

Interestingly I was just watching an episode of Roadkill Extra and Freiburger is talking about this exact thing. He explains why and how to adjust this and no I understand the reason for this endplay sloppyness. For those of you that are members on motortrendondemand.com this is episode 71 of Roadkill Extra.

The question now is this, should I leave the rear axle on the truck or remove it from the truck and work on the bench?

I do probably have to take the rearsprings out anyway (check out my buildthread for the explanation of that) so I'm thinking it might be easier to remove the complete axle and check it out further.
What do you guys think?

If you've got to take it out... It's always easier to do things from a standing position as opposed to on your back.

Yes, that is what I'm thinking aswell. I do not have to take it out as such, but I do have to take out and check the springs and I think that taking out the axle at the same time will be easier in the end anyway.
I will post further updates on this when I get more done on it.

Ok, I have now come to the part where I am going to reinstall the diff in the axle housing. But what about the thrust button, what is the best way to install these?


I can't get my fingers in to the diff where these should go, maybe a long rod with a magnet on the end would be the best way?
And how do I get sure they don't pop out/fall out before I install the axles?

Put bearing grease on both halves where they meet and this will keep them together and in place. Just drop one half in and use anything long enough maneuver in place and repeat on the opposite side. Obviously you'll need something in place to keep the first half from sliding out while you move things about.

Thank you, that did the trick, the results can be seen in my buildthread