Reinstalling axle in 8.75 - driver's side axle goes too far in?

[xander18]

I'm still trundling along on the rear wheel bearings on my 1964 Newport. There's light at the end of the tunnel! I have new bearings pressed onto the axles and races in hand.

However, when I slide in the driver's side axle it seems to drop in too far. The race/cup sits 0.075"-0.100" inboard of the axle tube flange, where the service manual says it's supposed to slightly protrude so I add shims.

I've never been into the guts of an 8.75 before: is there some kind of plunger/shim at the thrust block that could have fallen out? It looked like there was a plunger on the passenger side; it was kind of hanging out of its hole and I had to poke it back into place with a long piece of plastic. I'm concerned that there was the same on the driver's side but it fell completely out and is now sitting in the bottom of my diff housing.

 

[Carl K]

There are "thrust buttons" in the spider gear carrier. One may have fallen out, allowing the left side axle to go in too far. If you are changing to the non-adjustable "green bearings", these buttons are not used.

(sorry for the small pic I found via Google)

 

[xander18]

Carl, thanks for the picture. I couldn't find a good exploded view. I bet that's exactly what it is, looks like the thing is coming apart.

I didn't switch to Greens, some sources told me that it wasn't an option on pre-65 tapered axles.

 

[xander18]

Yep this little guy was just hanging out in the bottom of the case. At least it's an easy fix. And between taking it out and putting it in I think I can skip the gym today!

 

[xander18]

Now correct me if I'm wrong... but this is a Sure Grip right?! I thought for sure it would be an open diff but this is a very pleasant surprise. My base model Newport has some secrets yet.

 

[Carl K]

Looks like a plate style (rebuildable) Sure Grip. Nice surprise!