9 inch carrier removal

[flyboy71]

I want to pull the carrier from one axle and swap to another but they are pretty stuck on the housing. Theres nowhere to pry on the carrier or axle housing to break it free so whats the best way to remove it? I dont want to bend the axle studs or do anything stupid whacking on it with a hammer.

[forrestbump]

I'm assuming you're working on a Ford 9"? I'm also assuming you've pulled both axles at this point.

For really pesky 3rd members that have all kinds of snake snot used to seal them to the housing, I drive a putty knife blade between the 3rd member and axle housing in as many places as I can get to. I than drive in a screw driver blade into the same spots. After that, I drive a cold chisel part way in in as many places as possible.

The prying than begins...

As you can see patients is what's required. Because the 3rd member is held in with studs and nuts, you're trying to NOT wedge it out too much in any given direction or it'll bind on it's way out.

EDIT: Duh... just realized your thread is about a Ford 9" Dummy that I am.

[67mann]

Jeff are ya familar with a Five in one tool its thinner than a cold chisel and will go in a little easier as Forrest said work your way all the way around it or if the pinion nuts still on--take a bar threw the u joint bolts and ....start tuggin

[fordman]

like has already been said the axles have to be out. and the copper washers have to be off of the studs too. they are usually stuck on there. and they wont let the pumpkin come off a little bit if they are still on there.

[mlheppl]

You mentioned not bending the axle studs, so I'm assuming you're having a hard time getting the axles themselves out. Is this correct? If so, on hard to get out axles, I've used a10 to 12 ft length of chain with some success. The chain has to be big enough that an end link will slip over one of the lug studs. Then tighten a lug nut over the chain, so that the chain is held tight and firm. Leave some slack in the chain and whip the chain out away from the axle. When the chain whips tight, it will start popping the axle out.

everyone else covered the pumpkin removal pretty well.

[fordman]

duh. i didnt catch the axle stud thing. i hate using this computer. it is hard to read right now. i have heard of guys putting the drum back on the wheel studs backwards and bolting it up to the axle not tight. so it could be slid back and forth to use as a slide hammer to tap the axles out with.

[flyboy71]

Yep both axles are out. I tried the putty knife but to no avail. That sucker is glued fast. I didnt check to see if there are washers on the studs though. Hmmmmm. Too much grease to realize there were any. Ill check again tonight.

[70_F100]

Jeff, try putting a jack under the carrier, near the pinion yoke.

Put a little pressure on it, and it may just pop the carrier away from the axle housing.

[390Nut]

That's how I got mine to pop free when I replaced it a few years ago.

[flyboy71]

Hmmm my axle is out of the truck. Im not sure if that would work or not. They make it look so easy on TV too.

[70_F100]

Wrap a chain around the pinion, hook it to your cherry picker and lift the whole assembly slightly off the ground.

Then whack the axle housing with a BFH.

It's probably a good idea to put the nuts back on the studs in the housing, about flush with the ends of the studs. This will help to insure that when it pops loose, it doesn't get all wacky on you and wedged together.