Friday, Jul 18, 2003 at 16:12
Tim,
"... then a flange, then a cylindrical section about 4 inches long or so...", this IS the DOJ ( "...what does DOJ actually stand for?...",
Double Offset Joint).
There are two main constuction methods in the short arm of the front diffs. To tell the difference look right at the inside of the DOJ (close to the diff). If there is no pin visible then (1) applies, if there are bolts or a pin is visible then (2) applies.
(1) One uses the diff carrier bearing as the output bearing with just an oil seal to seal the diff housing (the DOJ cup has a splined shaft attatched to it which inserts straight into the diff carrier). To remove these usually takes a few whacks with a rubber mallet to get the internal retaining clip to collapse a bit and allow the DOJ to be withdrawn from the carrier.
(2) The other uses a seperate bearing (similar to the "long arm" of the diff housing) with the DOJ usually mounted on a flange or a "female" splined socket onto a stub axle going int the diff carrier. For the flange just unbolt the joint. For the splined shaft there should be a pin that goes through the back of the DOJ and the axle. You may need to remove a part of the
suspension to allow the wheel/hub assy to be pulled out to give enough clearance to free the DOJ from the splined shaft.
Once again I am concerned that you say the axle (between the DOJ and CV) can be moved parallel to its length, as the ONLY way this could happen is if the CV (outer) joint has come to grief (as I mentioned earlier). If the axle you refer to is within the diff carrier then my guess is that the construction is similar to (1).
Once again just a general guide (insert legal disclaimer here) :-)
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