Ford 8.8" half shaft disassembly

khall · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 01:34 PM

I am replacing the inner CV boots on a Ford 8.8 IRS and am having trouble removing the tripple-roller assembly from the end (inner) half shafts. Clearly there is a split ring/groove keeping the assembly from sliding further outboard on the shaft and it certainly feels as if there is another split ring stopping it from sliding off the spline. However I don't see any indication of a ring or pin at the end of the shaft. Is there an internal split ring holding it? This must come of to replace the boot. What is the secret?

thanks

Mike Simard · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 01:44 PM

There's a clip that you can see on the inboard side, when you remove it you can then slide the tripod further outboard. That will expose a clip on the inboard side that is currently hidden just inside the tripod.

khall · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 01:57 PM

Yep, that was easy thanks for the tip. Both inner boots are ripped perhaps by big globs of grease at high rpms. How much grease is appropriate?

Mike Simard · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 03:03 PM

It sounds like you now know not to put so much grease that it winds up in the boot to fly apart at high speed. Those soft rubber boots are prone to that. There are some harder urethane type boots that are good if you can find them, I think I bought some from Raxles some time ago. Do you have a good clamp installation tool? You could always bring your axles to a shop with proper clamping tools after you put the boots on.