M35 early Timken vs Rockwell differences

[SETOYOTA]

I have a 1953 m108 2,5 ton crane. It has the early timken axles. I’m in the middle of servicing the front axle. When I removed the hub I expected to find the early ball /claw axle shafts . However I found the later style u joint type shaft . I know the inner seal retainer is different for the differing shafts . My question is how are they different? I’m wondering if I have the proper inner seal retainer since it appears my axle shaft was changed to the u joint style. Or is it possible a timken branded axle coukd have come with the u joint style axle shafts?
Here is a pic of the removed retainer. just want to make sure I have the correct retainer.

 

[rustystud]

Those shafts where interchangeable. You would find different military units having some axles with the old ball and trunnion style and some with the modern 'U'-joint style. I believe the older style is actually stronger than the U-joint style. There is a company making the ball and trunnion style for heavy duty applications. Costs a fortune though.

 

[SETOYOTA]

Thanks for the reply. I know the shafts are interchangeable. But I believe the inner seal retainers are different. I think I may have a inner seal retainer for the ball and trunnion shaft.

 

[gringeltaube]

I know the shafts are interchangeable. But I believe the inner seal retainers are different.

That's correct. Let me find my post about it...



Meanwhile....
Yes, the seal retainers for both early style, CV-joint axle shafts have an integral rim, with a copper/brass thrust washer (P/N 7521763), press-fitted to it.
The U-joint shafts come with their own steel spacer/washer, pressed-on behind the yoke. So the seal carriers for the latter are just a plane face, with no extra washer.


By turning them on the lathe one can easily convert the early style retainers to fit the U-joint shafts.


In your case, that wasn't done obviously, since you still have the stock (old style) retainer. Instead, someone took a shortcut and simply removed that steel collar/washer from the shaft. (Which is not how it's supposed to work...!)

 

[SETOYOTA]

873763[/ATTACH]

Thank you very much. That answers my question. I suppose I will run with what I have then. Maybe it won’t leak or could have been my problem to begin with. I do have a parts truck that should have u joint style shaft I can use if this leaks . I can get the new retainer as well.
What do you think ? Let it ride or go ahead and replace it all?

 

[gringeltaube]

What do you think ? Let it ride or go ahead and replace it all?

While you are in, there...

1. Replace that inner axle shaft; find one that is complete, WITH washer (!);
2. Check the surface of the shaft for wear, where the seal lip rides;
3. Get the correct seal retainer - or modify the existing;
4. Replace the oil seal.

 

[SETOYOTA]

I should have everything needed in my parts truck . Wish I had inquired before I started putting it back together. I put the seal and shaft together 2 days ago. Will post what I find in the other side.

 

[SETOYOTA]

I was able to remove the retainers and axle shafts from my donor vehicle. Also got the new pads and wheel cylinders while I was end there. Modified a big puller with a homemade end to pull all the retainers. At some point in time someone really boogered up the housing on the driver’s side. I think it was the first attempt to make the u-joint shafts work with the older retainers. Who knows? Hopefully I can get all back together next week or so.