third member

[justme]

hi i was wondering if anyone could tell me how to get the third member off the rear axle assembly. i took out the axles took off the nuts, completly took apart the whole thing but its seems the third members stuck on it and i dont know how to get it off. bieng new to 4x4 i dont want to bang on it with a hammer and break something unless thats what im suppose to do. please help me solve this problem. thanks in advance for all help.also needed to know i was told my gear is the 3.50 set, i need to know a good ratio for highway driving and off road to run with 35 12.50 tires? i have to drive on highways to get to good fourwheel places but what gear is a happy medium? thanks

 

[79bigbronco]

Probably the copper washers are stuck around the retaining bolts, use a small chisle to break them loose then smack the diff with a dead blow hammer, then drive a small prybar in the top and start working another one around the edges, this will get it loose. When you do get it almost ready to come out, remember!!! it is alot heavier than it looks, be ready for the weight, especially if your laying under the vehicle. I run 35's and really like my 4:10's they are great offroad, but the engine dosn't overrev on the highway.

 

[justme]

thanks alot for the help i will give it a try. as for gears that was probably what i was going to run that or 4.56 but i dont know which is better for my needs. thanks

 

[RTM]

The third member will weigh in around 75Lbs.

 

[justme]

hey thanks alot guys for the responce i got it off it was the brass washers around the bolts were wedged into the threading. thanks

 

[cowboydan]

those copper washers are a real pain.... if you don't know about them. yes i wasted a whole afternoon without success... i will not be using them again.