Quick CV joint question

[moneymanager]

I'm trying to pull the outside CV joint (74 911) away from the flange while leaving the axle and inside cv joint in place at the transmission end. I've pulled the axle in the past without drama but can't get the outside end to separate. Bolts are out and it is held only by the two locating pins and grease. There doesn't seem to be any way to get a blade between the surfaces to loosen it up. Suggestions?

[mreid]

I had the same problem last time I dropped the 3.6 in my 74. I ended up lowering the Jack to let the tranny pull away from the axle. They were really stuck! When I pulled the original 2.7 they came right out and I noticed there were no gaskets. When I installed the 3.6 I used gaskets and new roll pins. I wonder if the gasket and pins are holding it in?

[moneymanager]

Thanks. Only the gasket and pin (+50k miles) are holding it in.
Just read an old post by Grady Clay telling me I need to pull the axle nut and remove the entire unit. However someone else in that same thread said the outside joint can be separated from the flange without loosening at the inside (tranny end) and without removing the axle nut.
Hope there wasn't some kind of change with the aluminum swing arm in 1974 requiring the axle nut removal!

[MikeD]

No it unbolts just like the inboard, 4 bolts and 2 dowel pins. What makes it harder with the aluminum trailing arms is that the arms wrap around the joint making it hard to pry them apart. I'm usually able to get a blunt chisel in between to start the separation...

[moneymanager]

Mike, thanks for the clarification. But how do you get a chisel in there? The aluminum arm covers almost all of the round metal cv section just below the yellowish brass cover. I can't see any way to hit it that would do anything. Is there an edge you can catch if you go in more-or-less parallel to the axle itself?

[Joe Bob]

Raise and lower the wheel at the swing arm. Use a dead blow hammer or rubber mallet to persuade it to give up. Spin the axle after a good whack, do it again. Think of it as a redheaded step child.....

[MikeD]

Yes, you are correct. I was just working on my 71 with steel arms which allow much more access. See if you can get a tool of some sort into the gap where the gasket rides so you can get some leverage. I think all you need is a lirpttle separation so you can get a rocking motion going.

If all else fails, taking the axle nut loose is not a big deal... Unless the splines are rusted in place...

[moneymanager]

Ok. Thanks all. I'm going to bang away at it and see what happens!

[moneymanager]

Success! Thanks Joe Bob for the winning suggestion. Three applications with a carefully aimed 10lb sledge on a nice flat inside surface + a little levering with an old screwdriver around the edges did it!

[Joe Bob]

Coolio......BTDT on the Mesa whilst fixing blown CVs and then a trans issue.......

[moneymanager]

Thanks again. Big help.