60 Rear Axle Failure

[Slackd]

So after many months of smooth Patroling, I put my ‘69 SWB 60 into gear and bam, big noise and no go. Driveshaft, rear diff physically look ok but something has broken. I was able to limp home in 4x4 mode.

I briefly looked through other posts on axle replacement but not in detail. I will, but hoping for some guidance on first steps to figure out what went south.

Should I drain oil and pull the rear diff cover (providing I can remove without removing gas tank) for a visual inspection?

Any help/guidance appreciated.

Thanks
Dave

[Peter60]

I had a rear axel snap - sounds similar to yours.

I was at some traffic lights and just started to move forward. Bang. No go after that. Couldn't get it in 4WD so got towed home.

My left had rear hub started to leak diff oil after a little drive. The hug oil seat was leaking.

I put a whole new rear end on. On pulling the old one apart the axel was in two.

[RiverPatrol]

You might want to find an axle before tearing into it. Or find a complete diff.

[Slackd]

Thanks for the feedback. This is all new to me.

Today I pulled the rear diff cover and all looks good. Oil was clean and the pumpkin showed no evidence of broken teeth and/or metal shavings.

Would the next logical step be to remove wheel, hub, brake assembly and pull shaft w/bearing out? If the shaft is broken into two pieces, will I be able to extract the broken part without pulling the entire axle out?

Obviously I need to locate a suitable replacement half drive shaft.

So many questions….

Thanks all.
Dave

IMG_3936.jpeg

[RiverPatrol]

Yes, it's most likely the axle shaft that is broken. Often what happens is that the axle bearing fails and causes stress to the axle shaft making it break. Chances are once you unbolt everything it will pull right out.

[Slackd]

Thanks River. I got the rear end off the ground today and the left rear brake drum with wheels lugs is flopping around. Definitely broken. I was lucky the wheel didn’t come
off when I limped home in 4x4.

Before I go any further I need to locate left side (long) axle shaft, axle bearing, axle seal and diff cover gasket.

Other parts I need? Any idea where I can find these parts?

There is a 60patrol member named Timoun who had a similar issue that he resolved. I’m hoping to chat with him.

Thanks again for the help.

Dave

[L60Boerne]

Greetings,

You can also consider swaping in an FJ40 rear axle and differential. I didn't know it when I bought it but Eddie the Eagle found that Winslow Patrol has a those FJ parts and it runs just as good and I think they are a tad bit more robust too.

Just a Plan B, if Plan A doesn't come together.

This guy may well have original parts, please call Tres Sorbonne at 801-995-1657.

Rolling and Patrolling,
L60 Boerne

[Slackd]

L60Boerne,

Thanks for the response, suggestion and Tres contact number. I’ll call him today.

Here’s another Q (I’ve got many…): while I’m waiting around I plan to replace front wheel cylinders. I have a set I purchased long ago. Any tricks and/or concerns about pulling off the old ones and reinstalling new? I’ve read the manual on brakes and had to laugh at this ominous line “The following instructions, if carefully carried out in sequence, should present no difficulty to either owner or mechanic.”

Thanks
Dave

[L60Boerne]

Dave,
I can only say Eddie the Eagle has never had a problem with replacing old with new wheel cylinders. The only thing I know is that the fronts are differents than the rears. Which makes perfect sense to a mechanic or hydraulic engineer. Things things of which i know not.
Rolling and Patrolling,
L60Boerne

[Slackd]

I just made a deal with Tres Sorbonne for a complete axle. Now just have to get it from Utah to Florida.

Woo hoo