'73 Overlander axle will not come off

[Lothlorian]

I have it up and off the ground (safety first) and I have all the bolts off the front axel. I took the tires off. I took off the shock and the two bolts holding the axel on to the fram and it won't drop. I am trying to do this with a floor jack but when I release the jack the jack drops but the axel stays put. I have been under the trailer and looked all around and cannot see anything holding the axel up. Is it rusted on? It won't budge.

Lothlorian

[richinny]

i think there are two bolts on each side.

[Janets Husband]

Originally Posted by Lothlorian

I have it up and off the ground (safety first) and I have all the bolts off the front axel. I took the tires off. I took off the shock and the two bolts holding the axel on to the fram and it won't drop. I am trying to do this with a floor jack but when I release the jack the jack drops but the axel stays put. I have been under the trailer and looked all around and cannot see anything holding the axel up. Is it rusted on? It won't budge.

Lothlorian

Put the jack up and step on the hub. it will come. Just a little tight.

[Lothlorian]

correct and I got all the bolts off on both sides. I am going to go back out and take a look again. Yep, all the bolts are off.

Lothlorian

[tphan]

Mine was also very tightly fit, had to pry/pull/push a little at a time from side to side.

[Lothlorian]

tphan:

Thanks for the advice. I pounced on it with my weight and she came loose. It is on the ground making a nice Christmas decoration in the driveway.

Lothlorian

[Mikethefixit]

Be safe put that jack in the center of the axle tube. No pressure, just very close. Sledge hammer on the drum, if you are savin the drum ,lay a piece of 2x4 on the drum. They can get a little cantankerus. I had to persuade mine on the 77 to drop out.
Roger

[Smokin Camel]

I had to beat the plate with a hand held air hammer and plenty of break free.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Sometimes a little corrosion between the axle mounting bracket and the axle mounting plate takes place.

That small amount of rust amazingly can hold the axle in place, which then takes more effort for removal.

If you know the axles will be changed, spray that junction several times over several days with WD-40.

That usually does the trick.

If not, then you can also wedge the axle loose with a crow bar.

BE CAREFUL.

Andy

[Lothlorian]

Just posting some pics of the front axel removed.

Lothlorian

[funkill]

Looks like we were doing the same thing this weekend.... replaced my 73's axles too. Had the same issue getting the axles *dislodged* - but beat on my spindles with a sledgehammer. Worked - but not nearly as refined as other methods.

[vhord]

For what is worth, mine seemed to go back in place easier than they came out, but then I had three buddies helping me.