Topic: Swapping rear brake backing plates and bearings

[alwayzbroken]

I want to take the wheel bearings and backing plates off of an 85 narrow axle and re-install them on the axleshaft in an IFS rear axle. Is there anyway to re-use the wheel bearings if you use a press and take your time? Also, once the wheel bearing is removed will the backing plate come off the shaft easy? I am in a jam I could use some good advice.

Thanks

[79coyotefrg]

yes  you can do that 

[alwayzbroken [OP]]

yes  you can do that 

So the wheel bearing does not get destroyed when it is pressed off? That would be a major relief. Do you have a preffered technique?

[OOPS]

So the wheel bearing does not get destroyed when it is pressed off? That would be a major relief. Do you have a preffered technique?

Hyd. press with the proper SST.

[MC387]

if you have an old housing, cut it right next to the diff.  Then weld two pieces of channel or tube to it so you can hang it in the press.  Then bolt in the axle you want to dissassemble and press it apart.  Dont forget to remove the snap ring first.  I have done quite a few this way.  The only thing I have had problems with is A 4 wheel ABS axle, I damaged the tone ring and had to replace it.  I Think it would be wise to replace the bearings while you have it apart though.  They dont las forever, and they are not that expensive.  It could save you from having to do this all agains soon.

[brainlessfool]

I want to take the wheel bearings and backing plates off of an 85 narrow axle and re-install them on the axleshaft in an IFS rear axle. Is there anyway to re-use the wheel bearings if you use a press and take your time? Also, once the wheel bearing is removed will the backing plate come off the shaft easy? I am in a jam I could use some good advice.

Thanks

As Glenny said yes it can be done, butt why? the IFS axle would have better brakes. why not use them??

[jimbo74]

As Glenny said yes it can be done, butt why? the IFS axle would have better brakes. why not use them??

x2 the ifs rear axle has bigger, better brakes