Pulled an axle today to count splines because I know my spider and side gears are worn. 32 splines like everybody else. What I really want to know is do you have to drop the carrier out to to change the shaft and gears or can you do it with the diff in the case?

Also I'm of two minds as to what weight of gear lube to run after I put it back together. With 223 k on the original axle, I'm sure the clearances aren't as tight as they used to be, so I'm tempted to go with the heaviest lube recommended (85w-140). On the other hand, I don't tow and the bed is usually empty, so the rear end probably never even gets warm, so the thick stuff might cause more harm than not. Anybody have any thoughts?

 

You don't need to drop the carrier to change the shaft. ALl you have to do is unbolt the bolts that hold the axle shaft to the hub on the outside. If your' etalking about the cross shaft, then go ahead and pull the carrier.

To get to the spiders, I've never changed them in the axle. I'm not sure if it can be done, but it is much easier to change them to take the carrier out. Th ecarrier is only held in place with 4 bolts, and you don't have to adjust backlash or anything by removing it. Just make sure it goes back in the right place. Changing spiders is kind of like putting a puzzle together, so it's just far easier to do it on a workbech.

I've always used 80W-90 in my Spicer axles, from Dana 30/35 to Dana 60 and Dana 70.

 

Go with synthetic.