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Dana 18 Front Bearing Removal?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by scuter83, Jul 24, 2019.

  1. Jul 24, 2019
    scuter83

    scuter83 Member

    Ann Arbor, MI
    Joined:
    May 25, 2007
    Messages:
    93
    Hello all,

    I am currently taking apart a Dana 18 with the larger 1 1/4" intermediate shaft to build a combo D18/D20 for my '74 CJ5. I am asking in here because I think the early CJs had D18 more than my intermediate.

    I am at the point where I can't get the bearing free so that I can remove the snap ring and take apart the main shaft and gears. I tried to pound a screw driver in there to separate them, but it isn't moving and I don't want to damage anything. I have gotten the outer race off, but can't get the inner race to budge. I know there was a special tool for this, but are there any tips people have for this? This is the last bit and I can get the gears off and clean up the other parts in case someone else needs them.

    Thanks,
    Scott
     
  2. Jul 24, 2019
    djbutler

    djbutler Sponsor

    Rio Linda CA
    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2007
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    727
    I went to the hardware store and bought a masonry chisel. It had a blade about 4 inches wide, and I cut a 'U' shaped notch in the center of it big enough to fit over the shaft. Using that I can move the bearing enough to get at the snap ring.

    Don
     
  3. Jul 24, 2019
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Aug 18, 2014
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  4. Jul 24, 2019
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    Dana 18 Front Bearing Removal?

    OK I am confused on what your asking . removing front output housing on a D18
     
  5. Jul 24, 2019
    modadds

    modadds New Member

    Sweetwater, Texas
    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2014
    Messages:
    44
    Several good videos on youtube will help with disassembly and reassembly, watch each one and they offer good suggestions for everything. One by Mertalshaper is a good video and the other by Rick Stivers. Don't tear anything up getting frustrated like do sometimes!
     
  6. Jul 24, 2019
    scuter83

    scuter83 Member

    Ann Arbor, MI
    Joined:
    May 25, 2007
    Messages:
    93

    From Novak's site: Drive a large screwdriver or similar shaped tool between the front bearing and the output gear to separate the gear enough to remove the snap ring from its groove in the shaft.

    I have tried that to a degree and the thing didn't budge. I didn't want to go all crazy in there and mess up the gears I am after, but need to find a way to get to that snap ring in order to take out the main shaft and its gears.
     
    Keys5a likes this.
  7. Jul 24, 2019
    scuter83

    scuter83 Member

    Ann Arbor, MI
    Joined:
    May 25, 2007
    Messages:
    93

    I watched the metalshaper one. Unfortunately (fortunately for him) the bearing in question is just loose on the shaft in his somehow, so he doesn't have the issue I am to get a hint. I have looked for others but haven't found a hint on how they do it yet. Will keep looking.
     
  8. Jul 24, 2019
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,102
    From Rick Stivers's rebuild guide

    http://www.willystech.com/wt/Model18TCase/Model18TransferCase.html


    D21. Drive the front bearing forward enough to use a set of flat-bladed snap ring pliers to move the output shaft snap-ring forward, and out of the groove. On some T-cases this bearing just slides forward but many others require force. The book calls for using Willys Tool [​IMG]. I made my own [​IMG] from a cheep steel hatchet, by cutting the middle out of it with a grinder. It worked great. [​IMG] Once it was driven in between the gear and the bearing I was able to gain more clearance by tapping on the side of the hatchet blade. By using cheap (soft) steel, it is less likely to damage the hardened steel shaft or bearing. Caution: Failure to move this snap ring out of the groove has resulted in people cracking their cases. The snap ring can not be seen until you drive the bearing forward on the shaft and this can not be done by using a press on the end of the shaft.


    D22. Once the snap ring is out of its groove, drive the output shaft out the back of the case. [​IMG]
     
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  9. Sep 4, 2019
    scuter83

    scuter83 Member

    Ann Arbor, MI
    Joined:
    May 25, 2007
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    93
    I finally found the time to work on this again. I ended up using a dremel with a small cutoff wheel and cut through the inner race almost all the way through. Then did it again 180 deg from the initial cut. Hit it with a chisel and the race broke off. That got me clearance to fight the snap ring. That one took a bit but got it off and was able to get it all apart. I had to cut the shift rod as I couldn't figure out how to get the shifter interlock pill out. I hate ruining good parts, but was tired of fighting it.
     
  10. Sep 4, 2019
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
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    1,998
    I just took this bearing off on my dana 18 this weekend, used a bench chisel in the gap to move it, and then screwdrivers and cold chisels to pop it free. It was a pain but I eventually got it.

    Had to remove it from my freshly rebuilt and sealed case, when I realized I put the gear back on backwards:banghead:
     
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