8 3/4 pumpkin swap problem....

[dkn1997]

ok, I swapped out my 3.55 cone type suregrip (489) for a 3.91 clutch type suregrip (741) in my 68 charger.

3 years ago, I put the 489 in place of the factory pegleg with no problems.

when I got done this time, I found that I am having problems with the axle end play. I put everything back together, and thought it was all ok. I drove it around the block and smelled burning gear oil.

when I got it back home and apart, I noticed that the drivers side had about 1/8" end play, and fluid all over the place. the pass side with adjuster had about the same amount of play, with the adjuster bottomed out.

so I am thinking something is missing or broken in this pumpkin, so my question is do any of you have an idea what to look for when I drop out the center section?

what kills me is that last time I did this swap, it all went so smooth, and now I probably have to take it all apart again, pain in the a$$!!

[rumblefish360]

You should have end play adjusters on the axle. Whip off that drum and twist away till shes tightened up.
I forget what the end play should be.

[dkn1997]

the pass side with adjuster had about the same amount of play, with the adjuster bottomed out.

[Glen440]

You are missing the spacer in the middle of the sure grip.........the clutch type has a removable spacer that falls out when you pull an axle. I have both types and find the clutch type a pain. I have to fish in the gear oil for the small half. Hard to put together too, put in one half then use a magnet to put the end on it.

[dkn1997]

ok, so where would I get this spacer? I bought this pumpkin seperately and I guess it never had it when I got it. any chance it is the same as the cone spacer, or do I have to go out and get one?

also, how do I install it? wishful thinking, but any way to slip it in there with the pumpkin mounted onto the housing? such a pain in the $alls taking that thing out by myself on my back.......

[Glen440]

The pumpkin has to be out to do it, I don't know where to get the spacer and it is not the same as the cone one. Cone one does not come out while its together.

[dkn1997]

talked to the techline at nationwide performance driveline. he agrees with you guys that the spacer is missing, and added that whoever set it up planned on using green axle bearings and that the spacer would not be needed with them.

I am contemplating switching to the green bearings partly for ease of finishing this up, and partly because the drivers side had been leaking a little bit (not pouring out like now) for a while now and I have no idea what damage it might have done to the axle bearings.

so , I think I am going to order up another new set of seals (probably toasted them with improper end play) and a set of green bearings... Unless someone can tell me a really good reason not to.

also, I have to have the local parts store press off the old and press on the new bearings for me, is there anything they need to know special, or is it pretty straight forward.

AND!....how exactly do these bearings eliminate the adjuster? also, do I simply remove the adjuster, or do I havce to buy MORE parts?

lots of questions, but I really want to get this thing together in time to go to the track this weekend.

[BELVEDERE2]

All I did was press on the green axle bearings and go. No problems 1000+ miles. I'll be doing the same swap as you at some time. 3.55 to 3.91 once I get the 340 installed.

[DartGT66]

You get everything needed in the green bearing package, except the inner seals in the housing. They are closed ball bearings instead of the stock style cone bearings. Some people feel that they are not as reliable as the "old style" bearings, but I believe that feeling isnät based on real world experience. Ford 9" has always used this kind of bearings, and they do not seem to have a lot of problems with them. I used them for seven years, but changed to the other style because I needed the adjustment to get my axles deeper in to the splines. I pressed them out with over 5 tons pressure, and they are still in like new condition and could & will be used again in some other application