<VV> Getting the yoke off of the axle (early model)

[Larry Forman]

At 06:17 AM 4/15/2004 -0400, JRVIDRINE@aol.com wrote:
>Folks,
>
>Thanks for the replies on my problem in separating the rear axle bearing
>assembly from the brake backing plate.  I got it off.
>
>Now, I am having trouble with getting the yoke off the axle.  I had hoped
>that wouldn't happen.  I bought a Pittman arm puller from Harbor Freight 
>which
>just barely catches the shoulders of the yoke.  This didn't budge anything
>yesterday eveing.  I am now thinking of using a propane torch to heat it 
>up, allow
>it to cool and then attempt using the puller.  Any thoughts on this?  Is 
>there
>any danger in weakening the yoke?
>
>Any advice will be appreciated.
>
>Randy Vidrine

Hi Randy,
I had the same difficulty at first.  DON'T use the pittman arm puller.  Use 
a steering wheel puller and bolt to the 1/4 inch holes on the yoke.  You 
can also use another yoke and a HUGE bolt and nut and THICK washers.  That 
works well.  I used a 3/8 inch thick plate and welded on a short pipe 
spacer and a grade 8 nut and bolt the plate to the yoke with four 1/4 inch 
bolts.  Works well.  But another yoke will work fine also.  A torch can 
help and the yokes are sacrificial anyway.   They eventually wear out on 
the internal splines, better that than the axles.  When that happens you 
have a no go condition without warning.  Carry a spare yoke for long trips 
and the huge bolt etc. so you can replace this roadside if 
needed.  Actually simple to do.  PB Blaster works wonders as well as a 
BFH.  Remember to heat or beat, the use puller for a turn or what you can, 
beat, heat, and repeat.  Don't try what I first did and just add torque 
since that will destroy the puller.

Larry