Robert Rydman 2002
Be sure to wash your hands after polishing filing, or sanding the castings.
The axles and pinion shaft should be lubricated with a thin film
of fine machine oil during final assembly.
It is advisable to apply a small fillet of petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
to the axles at the ring gear ends and to the pinion shaft at the
universal joint and pinion gear ends to preclude the entrance of
any glue to these working surfaces.
The "LIVE NINE" covers have a right and left side to accomodate
the ring gear. During final assembly of the two case halves it is
useful to use two spring loaded clothes pins to hold the two
"LIVE NINE" covers together. Assemble the rearend first without
glue and clamp the clothes pins over both of the "LIVE NINE"
axle bosses and test the rearend for proper operation before final
application of the glue.
Adjust the position of the pinion bushing inwards or outwards to
properly locate the pinion gear. When proper operation is assured,
and with the petroleum jelly barriers applied, glue the pinion carrier
bushing into place with a touch of CA. Remove the clothes pins,
apply the petroleum jelly barriers to the axles at the ring gear,
apply a small amount of JB Weld Kwik or epoxy to the insides of
the cover axle tube bosses, assemble the rearend, clamp with the
clothes pins and test the final assembly before setting it aside to
cure. Spinning the pinion shaft during final assembly assures
alignment of the two axle tube halves.
The axle tubes should be pushed all the way up to the ring gear
on both sides to help locate the assembly in the proper position.
Two 1/6" gaps should appear at the ends of both axles when the
wheels are mounted.
In the event you have glued something together by mistake ...
don't panic! You can always do it again by prying the covers
apart and remaking your pieces if need be. Just be careful the
next time, to get the glue where YOU want it.
Robert Rydman 2002