MT swap related questions (axles, stubs, circlips, etc.)

[Bosco]

mmmkay, I've come up with a few more questions now. ('97 lgt trans/diff into '94 touring wagon)

My 97 lgt rear diff accepts male axles. These axles, when removed, should have circlips on them right? cuz they don't. This means they are likely in my diff, Correct?

If so, any tips or tricks on finding and removing them? What if I can't find them?

*** Next question:

I can't seem to get either rear axle out of the donor car. Both hubs are refusing to let go of 'em.
Of course , this leads me to wonder if it's possible to pop the stubs out of my touring wagon's old diff and pop them in to the 97 diff. allowing me to use my stock 94 axles.
Will the stubs fit? Can they actually "pop" out or do i need to deal with that torx head bolt in there? I'm sure it couldn't be that easy... could it?
I don't want to get too crazy with swapping ring and pinion etc.. (barely even have a grasp of what that means)
I'm trying to avoid buying new rear axles if i don't have to since I have 2 perfectly good sets of rear axles for the 94.

*** part 3:

If the swapping of the stubs is a no-go, howz about taking apart the inner cv joints of both cars and putting the 97 ends on the 94 axles? Another long shot probably, but... er... maybe.


I'm so cheap.

[n2x4]

My 97 lgt rear diff accepts male axles. These axles, when removed, should have circlips on them right? cuz they don't. This means they are likely in my diff, Correct? You are correct

If so, any tips or tricks on finding and removing them? What if I can't find them? just start looking, they should be in there

*** Next question:

I can't seem to get either rear axle out of the donor car. Both hubs are refusing to let go of 'em. Dumb question, but if you're referring to the old style female axles, did you remove the pin that holds the axle in place?
Of course , this leads me to wonder if it's possible to pop the stubs out of my touring wagon's old diff and pop them in to the 97 diff. allowing me to use my stock 94 axles.
Will the stubs fit? Can they actually "pop" out or do i need to deal with that torx head bolt in there? I'm sure it couldn't be that easy... could it?
I don't want to get too crazy with swapping ring and pinion etc.. (barely even have a grasp of what that means)
I'm trying to avoid buying new rear axles if i don't have to since I have 2 perfectly good sets of rear axles for the 94.

*** part 3:

If the swapping of the stubs is a no-go, howz about taking apart the inner cv joints of both cars and putting the 97 ends on the 94 axles? Another long shot probably, but... er... maybe.

I'm pretty sure you could swap out axle stubs or take apart the cv shafts, but even then you're going to need to get the circlips out of the diff if you want to put anything in there. Since that's the case, just put them back on the axles and stick them back in.


I'm so cheap. We all are cheap here, that's why we drive 15 year old cars

[IronMonkeyL255]

I believe the rear circlips are supposed to stay in the diff. Or, at least they were supposed to on my '06 WRX rear end. The fronts come out of the trans with the stubs (if your setup uses stubs, and they aren't clipped with a snap ring to the front diff like the Legacy Turbo ones).

You can most likely use the LGT axles instead of having to use your TW axles. I would check the length to be sure, but the ones out of an '06 WRX worked perfect in the rear of my SS. That saves a bit of part swapping and whatnot. Besides, the rear axle stubs are probably held in place with a snap ring much like the front stubs.

[Bosco]

if you're referring to the old style female axles, did you remove the pin that holds the axle in place?[/b]

No, I mean the axles on the 97 (male/male) won't come free from the hubs. They are stuck on the parts car.
I think I'll Have to get a torch over here to attack the rear hubs and try to free the axles from the '97.
Unfortunately, I don't think the male diff stubs will pop out of the TW's rear diff like I hoped they might.

I believe the rear circlips are supposed to stay in the diff.

^ Promising...
I couldn't see, but I felt in the 97 rear diff with my finger (haven't pulled it back off the car yet) and it seems the clips are indeed in place. sitting inside the grooves in the diff. So, I guess the rears are supposed to work that way.(?)

[n2x4]

I understand what's going on now. Yah, to get them out of the hub I usually use PB Blaster and a hammer. I always grease upon reassembly.

As far as the circlips go I think I was wrong. I have some spare male axles from my swap. Let me check them tomorrow and see what they are. My mistake!
EDIT: Yep, I was wrong. My rear axles don't have circlips on them. They stay inside the diff. Before you put the new axles in, check the length, it needs to be the same as the old ones on each side.