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Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 12:28 pm
by RajoRacer
Over on the Ruckstell breakdown illustrations thread recently provided by Mr. Vowell, there seems to be a question regarding the proper or correct orientation of the rear axle key being installed onto the axle - I install with the taper pointing down and towards the bearing - there is an "artist's" rendition in the T Bible which appears to be the orientation shown & Jim Bartsch also follows. Does anyone else having definitive proof or documentation of the correct installation ?
Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 1:08 pm
by Steve Jelf
I install with the taper pointing down and towards the bearing...
Me too. But after having to cut a notch in the outer end to pry one out when it was in the slot really tight, I grind a little chamfer on the bottom of the outside end so I can drive a screwdriver under it to get it out.
This didn't work.
A little pry bar made from a piece of key stock finally got it loose.
Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 1:44 pm
by RajoRacer
I've always grabbed the key with a dykes (side cutter) - works 95% of the time.
Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 2:38 pm
by sweet23
Some of the aftermarket keys are long. Be sure to check that it is not getting into your outer seal.
Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 3:26 pm
by speedytinc
RajoRacer wrote: ↑Sun Aug 01, 2021 12:28 pm
Over on the Ruckstell breakdown illustrations thread recently provided by Mr. Vowell, there seems to be a question regarding the proper or correct orientation of the rear axle key being installed onto the axle - I install with the taper pointing down and towards the bearing - there is an "artist's" rendition in the T Bible which appears to be the orientation shown & Jim Bartsch also follows. Does anyone else having definitive proof or documentation of the correct installation ?
The axle key slot tapers up @ the seal side. That ground radius in the key fits that. Later ford keys are shorter & dont have a ground radius in the key.
The short key works fine as is if it doesnt move inward.
Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 3:53 pm
by Dan McEachern
Just a trick to keep a well fitting but loose key from moving-1) upset a slight "ding" on one edge of the key to hold it in place in the axle. 2) a drop of super glue will hold the key in position also.
Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???
Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2021 11:46 am
by Original Smith
I lucked out many years ago, and obtained several NOS Ford script keys.
Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???
Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:23 pm
by DanTreace
RajoRacer wrote: ↑Sun Aug 01, 2021 12:28 pm
Does anyone else having definitive proof or documentation of the correct installation ?
Ford Service , paragraph 639.
Original Ford axle keys, the taper goes down and into the taper end of the axle keyway, toward the rear axle housing.
That way the entire length of the axle key surface is within the hub.
Square end of the axle key enters the hub keyway.
- Axle key position.jpg (134.86 KiB) Viewed 1887 times
Don't forget to place a well greased new wheel hub felt, {B} into the groove of the inside of the rear hub, helps prevent axle lube leaks and acts as a nice bushing against the retainer cup over the ends of the Hyatt bearing.
Re: Which Way Does the Rear Axle Key Go ???
Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:24 pm
by RajoRacer
Thank you Dan - that is quite definitive !