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Cute diesel conversion. Makes you wonder who did all that work especially if the new paint is falling off and the rear axle is going out. That doesnt scream Pro status.

I've learned a while ago 'professional' can be a very loose term.

Out with the old and in with the new LSD.

Oh you fancy!

Very nice!!


Coop

Honestly waited too long for the swap. I’m excited now to take my little boy out on some trails in the Sierras.

Well been driving around on the new LSD rear and I feel i made a mistake. The rear dust shields squeek bad on both sides and now both axle seals leak pretty bad. When you grab each axle saft and wiggle it there is about 1/2" of play in any direction and the axle shaft moves in and out at the same amount.

Looking at the FSM there are shims for some axles, but they appear to be very thin, and i reused mine. Talking with one guy online, he thinks there is a block that needs to be in the middle of the diff. Otherwise the shaft just moves around with nothing to keep it in place.

So... for now the Monti is down and out.

Damn.

Coop

You are telling me. This is bad news for Team Monti. I really wanted to do some backcounty wheeling.

Looking through the parts diagrams, I don't see anything like what you're talking about in the differential.

There was a change to the axle shafts in May 1990, but that's only to do with how they're held into the axle tube. There's no differentiation between LSD and non-LSD shafts.

[quote=""Jeff V.""]Looking through the parts diagrams, I don't see anything like what you're talking about in the differential.

There was a change to the axle shafts in May 1990, but that's only to do with how they're held into the axle tube. There's no differentiation between LSD and non-LSD shafts.[/quote]

Yea you might not see anything about the shims at the ends of the axles. Its dependent on each axle. Or were you talking about the block in the center diff? I need to look at the one I took out and see what it has. Then sadly remove that center diff all over again.

Hate to do it but its likely going up on blocks in the side yard until i get things sorted out.

I see the shims, but there's no block. The axle shafts are locked in place by a nut (before 5/90) or snap ring and the bearing plate on the outboard end of the axle tube. If the axles are sliding in and out, your problem is there.

Let me know if you want the service manual for it.

Hmm where is the locking nut? My monti is an 89 so that’s likely it. The lsd was pulled from a 4 door so likely a 91.

If you have pics in the manual that would be advantageous.

Page 18

http://xtreme3s.net/Max50/rear-axle.pdf

[quote=""Jeff V.""]I see the shims, but there's no block. The axle shafts are locked in place by a nut (before 5/90) or snap ring and the bearing plate on the outboard end of the axle tube. If the axles are sliding in and out, your problem is there.

Let me know if you want the service manual for it.[/quote]
There are blocks in there. See below
[quote=""Jeff V.""]Page 18

http://xtreme3s.net/Max50/rear-axle.pdf[/quote]

Thanks for posting that. Ok so i see the lock nut, washer which appear to be secured to the outer edge of the shaft.

Pages 19-21 appear to go into detail on its removal and install. Hmm. Its appears that lock nut and washer keep the main bearing in place at the axle ends but im not sure they haw involved they are with the axle shaft end play.

End play appears to be controlled by the shims on page 22. That makes me think that end play is separtate and possibly controlled by the center block and the end axle shims. I cant be for certain though.

When i took the 3rd member out, I only had to pull each axle out about 1 foot to clear the gears and housing. I didnt do anything to the axles besides pull then out and put back in. Thinking about it, one side fought me, so i just used the bolts on the end housing to slowly force the one axle back in. Think it might have disloged the lock nut? Thats honestly the only thing i can think of at the moment.

Also pages 28 and 37 show the thrust block. Im just not seeing how they could fall out though. Seem pretty integral?

Ok, the LSD thrust blocks weren't really apparent in the ASA diagrams. Those are super grainy though.

Yea not easy to spot.

Still contemplating my next steps. Attempt to repair or find complete axle and swap it all.

Just realized i kept the 1990 axle out of my Max. Its not a direct swap in because of the leafs vs coils, but I wonder if the axle shafts are identical for those years...?

2dr V6 Monte / Raider axle:
5/88-5/89 MB393851
6/89-5/90 MB837464
Universal replacement: MB860919

V6 4x4 Max axle:
6/89-5/90 MB393851
6/90-5/95 MB837464
Universal replacement: MB860919

Looks like as direct a swap as there is.

[quote=""Jeff V.""]2dr V6 Monte / Raider axle:
5/88-5/89 MB393851
6/89-5/90 MB837464
Universal replacement: MB860919

V6 4x4 Max axle:
6/89-5/90 MB393851
6/90-5/95 MB837464
Universal replacement: MB860919

Looks like as direct a swap as there is.[/quote]

Nice work Jeff!

So i just need a build date ranges to match the part numbers.