Symptoms
Clunks on take-off, a rear hub loosening on its shaft, or spun splines. Quadratec explains that the factory hardened hubs cut into softer axle-shaft splines, leaving weak spots in the driveline.
The fix, step by step
- One-piece shafts fix the hub flange to the shaft, which stops the splines spinning.
- Remove the wheels and drums, pull the pressed-on hubs (a hub puller is the usual tool), remove the bearing retainers and pull the shafts.
- Fit the new shafts with bearings and seals per the kit instructions, replace the inner seals while you're there, and refill with gear oil.
- Add friction modifier if the axle has a Trac-Lok.
- Trucks with the 1986 Dana 44 don't need this.
Tools & part numbers
- Hub puller
- slide hammer
- seal driver
- torque wrench
- Crown 1982–86 CJ-7/CJ-8 one-piece kits (sold per side)
Where to buy the parts
Crown J8133885-1 driver-side one-piece axle kit, 1982–86 CJ-7/CJ-8 AMC 20Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
OMIX 16534.03 outer axle seal, AMC 20 one-piece axlesQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
OMIX 16536.08 axle bearing, AMC 20 one-piece axlesQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Gear oil, 1984 Scrambler 4.2LRockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler 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.