Getting ready to pound in my sleeves in a couple weeks! Anyone have a homemade sleeve driving tool that worked great for them that I may barrow or rent? I'm happy to pick it up and drop it back off at your location, just tell me where. Thanks!

 

You mean something like this

 

WoW! Wish you were a tad closer!

 

You really don't need any special install tool. I have installed several sets. Best method I have found was to place the sleeves in the freezer overnight. When you are ready to install them, take them directly from the freezer and pound them in using a 4"×4"x4" (approx dimensions) wood block (douglas fir works well) and a small sledge. When frozen, sometimes I can install them by lightly tapping on the wood block with a ballpeen. Freezing is a useful trick and makes installation a breeze.

If you leave the knuckles in place, you may need to adjust the size of the wood accordingly. Also, thoroughly cleaning the axle tubes with a long broom handle and fine steel wool with a thin coat of "Liquid Wrench" applied prior to the install is essential. Just a couple of light passes should do. You just want to remove surface rust and debris without pushing metal dust into the diff.

 

I've installed two sets and both were a pita. I was swinging a 20 lb sledge. I played baseball in college and was swinging that thing! Took 6 hours. It was 104 degrees outside that day too. Ahhh memories.

sent from my work leash

 

Is that 1.5" square tube? What did you use to fasten the retaining bolt to inside the tube?

 

I was thinking a 4"x 4" x 2' and screw the bearing race driver to the end with a lag bolt. Did you mean to put 4 inches long? I'm pulling the knuckles to swap ball joints and weld in gussets.

 

Mine were not frozen and went in pretty easily. 20lb sledge and a few good hit.... Frozen i can see them goin in very easily. Unless your tubes/housing are bent.

 

Cut a plate to fit inside,drill a 1/2 hole and weld bolt head to plate.Fit plate/bolt to end of tube and weld in place.It's 2" tube 1/4 wall

 

x2 i found some went easy others took more hits to get in.Prep is key