Hi Guys,

Looking to buy some NITRO sleeves to get me by until I get a prorock. I've got the axle completely out of the Jeep and the carrier out of the housing. I'm thinking of buying the sleeves since I've got everything out including the knuckles off. I'm thinking of putting the axle verticle and pounding down instead of sideways with the axle underneath the jeep. Now is there enough force to bend the housing since there is no carrier inside the housing? Or should there be a carrier for safe keeping?

Also tips on how to get the sleeves in easier would be appreciated. Also sleeves make a difference?

 

Freeze the sleeves, and Before install heat the tubes with a torch. Should slide in rather easily.

 

Success varies a lot on those sleeves. I've installed 5 sets. Some went in easy, some took a day with a BFH. In all cases, I did a TON of prep. I always keep the sleeves in dry ice for half a day first. A freezer isn't cold enough to shrink the metal and the logistics can be tough as you have about 10 seconds before it start to rapidly expand to its original shape.

I did a write-up someone. I clean the inside of the tubes until they shine. It is an intolerance fit, so even a single burr can ruin it for you.

After some bad experiences, I started doing a light sand job on the tubes. That was definitely the way to go.

Personally, I think for real results you should also weld them in.

 

x2 this adds a bunch of work though.

 

I heard if the tubes are slightly bent it's game off. Or if the tubes are bent and the sleeves are in than the axle shafts can hit the sleeves. Is there a good amount of room away from the sleeves? I don't think my axle housing tubes are bent but you never know.

 

The sleeves are a press fit. So there is no room between axle tubes and sleeves. Like precious posts state. Clean tubes really really good and have a sledgehammer. I have done 10 sets. Some go in like butter and others need some need a little from the sledgehammer and muscles.

 

A wire wheel on a drill, with a nice long extension will do wonders to the inside of those axle tubes. The freezing with dry ice really does help a lot as well.