How to remove spindle / dust shields

[Tuff68]

What is the trick to removing all the parts behind the hub.
It seems that everything behind the hub assy. has rusted all together ( plate, dust shield caliper brackets ).
I have used PB blaster, heat, BIG rubber hammer and nothing will move.
This is on a 77 with disc on the front.
Is there some type of puller that is used for this.
I have only worked on D44's with drums on the front.
Thanks,

 

[NicksTrix]

try a spindle puller, that will resolve your issues.

support the vendors who contribute to the site:
http://extremecustomparts.com/i-361156-spindle-puller-tool-dana-44-gm-corp-10-bolt-8-5-dana-30.html

 

[JohnJohn]

Another option that worked for me is putting the spindle nuts back on the spindle and I use a three arm puller. The arms of the puller went over the spindle nuts and the puller screw went in the end of the axel.

The tool Nick suggested is the best way to go but the puller also works in a pinch.

 

[amc78cj7]

I have used a flat punch and a BFH to get them off. This is on previous Jeeps but it can't be any different.

 

[evil69]

I have spun the nuts back on and jack the truck up from the nuts to get the spindle to move enough to put a screwdriver in the bottom and them beat the hell out of the top of the nuts to pop it loose. Not the safest or desired method, but it works.

 

[madness]

Use some penetrating lubricant and go rent a slide hammer with the 3 arm puller attachment(you can get them at schucks/oreilly's, etc)

 

[bludorbronc]

Take a piece of half inch steel and drill a hole the size of the spindle and two more holes the size of bolt to go thru puller,when done drilling assemble plate,spindle nuts, puller with puller bolt tightening down on axle. tighten as much as you can when cant tighten more hit puller bolt with hammer hard and tighten puller bolt again and hit it again. continue until off, when apart sand all parts so they go together easy.

 

[jon705]

I have a 76 with D44 and disc brakes. Tried all the methods mentioned here for removing the spindle and broke two 3-jaw pullers in the process. What worked for me was a combination of using the spindle puller, heat from a propane torch, PB Blaster, and a chisel. I'd crank the puller a few turns, heat the outside edges, spray some PB in the cracks, beat the outside edges with a chisel. Each round of treatment only slightly moved the spindle but it eventually worked. Them suckers were on there good n' tight! The spindle, dust shield, and backing plate came off as one unit and took further pounding on the bench to break apart. I sanded all three pieces so that they now easily mate together and will put anti-sieze on them too before reassembling.

I started this project on Tuesday evening and finally broke them loose last night so my advice to anyone working on this is to be patient and keep at it. I'd also highly recommend the spindle puller. Autozone rents it but you'll probably have to tell them they have it (part 27104) as everyone at the store told me this tool doesn't exist. If you buy it I'd recommend Extreme Custom Parts as NicksTrix mentions.

After working on this the last couple days I guess I see why the shop was going to charge me $600 to replace upper and lower ball joints on both sides!

 

[Tuff68]

AutoZone tool

Jon,
Does the Auto Zone tool #27104 work with a slide hammer or does it use a bolt pushing on the end of the axle.

Thanks

 

[jon705]

Jon,
Does the Auto Zone tool #27104 work with a slide hammer or does it use a bolt pushing on the end of the axle.

Thanks

Bolt pushing on the end of the axle. Mine didn't come withe one so I went to Menards for a 1/2" fine threaded bolt.