September 14 2010 by Darrin.

While waiting for the rear axle parts, I tackled the front axle.  First step, remove it:

Next, clean it with oven cleaner and a pressure washer:

That worked pretty well to remove 25 years of grease!

Next, wire brush the axle, clean it again with laquer thinner, and coat it with POR-15…

After it dries, reinstall with new Dobinson’s springs, bushes, and greasable anti-inversion shackles, just like the rear axle.  (You’ll notice my anti-inversion pins are not installed at this point.  With no weight on, I can’t make it happen.  I’ll see how it goes as I progress with reassembly, and make some new travel-stops as needed)…

Next step - rebuild front axle: brakes, knuckles, bearings, etc.  Gotta paint some house trim first!

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September 12 2010 by Darrin.

The rear axle is finally back under the Troopy.  I’m waiting on a few seals (diff, axle, hub) and then the parts can go back together.  My brake drums were right at the edge of usable, so I got a set of meatier used ones from California.  Here’s how the rear axle assembly looked prior to removal…

The axle was removed, wire-brushed, then coated with POR-15.   The new Dobinson’s heavy-duty rear leaf springs were installed, with new greasable anti-inversion shackles, and then the axle was bolted back in…

After reinstallation, the assembly was stripped of its remaining parts, like hubs, brakes, and backing plates, and those parts were cleaned up, painted, and prepped with new Japanese bearing races…

Next comes the front axle.  That’s currently outside soaking in generic oven cleaner.  It’s time to go wash it off!  Look for Part 2 in the very near future.

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