Installed the Nitro sleeves on my 30 and a friends 44 this past Saturday and want to let anyone know who plans on doing this that it can be the easiest install if you follow one important step. Of course I heard this tip on another post but it's vital for success and worth mentioning again. " Freezing" After we put the sleeves in the freezer overnight, did a mild cleaning of the tubes with just a piece of 3/4 pvc pipe with a rag soaked with solvent attached to the end and swabbed out the tube, the sleeves slipped in so easily that it almost seemed like they were too small to be effective. It took a mild tap when the knurled end got close to the last 2 inches or so but that was also a snap. After watching some of the 'youtube' videos on installation and seeing the major beating and pounding of the sleeves to get them in, I was fearing the install. Some recommend using 'dry ice' but this is way overkill. Your freezer is more than sufficient to get the tubes small enough. Now, this tip will probably not work if where you live is below freezing outside and you're not in some type of heated garage when attempting the install.

 

cool, I have my Nitro sleeves waiting for me to install. Did you use any type lube on the sleeves before installing?

 

No. No lube at all. Just took them from the freezer, holding them with gloves so my warm hands wouldn't warm them up and start them expanding and slid them in.

 

thanks. What did you use for hammering in with the hammer? I'm planning on fitting my race driver into a steel pipe that will fit through that steering knuckle hole.

 

Yeah, that's all you'll need. I actually built one of those tools with the 2 feet of pipe, and the bearing driver on one end and the 1/2 inch piece of plate steel on the other just in case I'd need to beat the sleeve in. I used it on the passenger side and it took a very mild hit to do it but a small 3 pound sledge with a smooth face should do it. You just don't want to bung up the end of the tube and you shouldn't if you freeze it. You'll be surprised how easy it goes in.

 

right on, this makes me more comfortable with the install. Sounds like freezing is key. Wknd proj. How long roughly did it take ya to do both sides? Thanks for the help

 

Another tip. Move quickly after getting them out of the freezer because they will begin to expand as the seconds tick by. Get everything prepared and your axle tubes ready to receive them. Only take one out of the freezer at a time and install it. Don't take them both out and have one lay around while your'e putting the other in. They'll lose their cold fairly fast.

 

Alright! that's what I was hoping to hear. Seems easy enough, thanks again.

 

Give me a call if you want, I'll be up for a while. I can give a couple more details. 909 554 0792

 

I second that they are easy to install. I actually had more trouble with the short side than the long side. I froze them and used white lithium grease. Had a buddy build the tool and installed them by myself. There that easy!!!