Symptoms
Clunks on take-off, a rear hub working loose on its shaft, or worn and spun splines. Quadratec's listing explains the cause: the factory hardened hubs cut splines into softer axle shafts, leaving weak spots in the driveline.
The fix, step by step
- Replace the two-piece shafts and hubs with one-piece shafts that have the hub flange fixed to the shaft, which stops the splines spinning and handles torsional loads better.
- Remove the wheels, drums and pressed-on hubs (a hub puller is the usual tool), unbolt the bearing retainers and pull the shafts.
- Fit the new shafts with their bearings and seals, following the kit instructions.
- Fit new inner seals while the axle is apart, and refill with gear oil (plus friction modifier for a Trac-Lok).
Tools & part numbers
- Hub puller
- slide hammer
- seal driver
- torque wrench
- Crown RT23007 kit (1976–83 CJ-5; not for Quadra-Trac)
Where to buy the parts
Crown RT23007 AMC 20 one-piece axle shaft kit, 1976–83 CJ-5Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
OMIX 16534.03 outer axle seal, AMC 20 one-piece axlesQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
OMIX 16536.08 axle bearing, AMC 20 one-piece axlesQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Yukon 80W-90 conventional gear oilQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep CJ-5 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.