Center axle disconnect bushing

[8valvehero]

Hey Gang

 

I'm refreshing a '91 D30 with 130k on it. 

I'm replacing the seals and want to know if I should mess around with trying to replace the center axle bushing while in in there. 

Info is hard to find, but from what I can tell, this particular configuration was only present on Jeeps for a couple years.

Judging from the lack of writeups available, I assume it's a total pain and not done unless 100% necessary.

 

Thanks!

[Dzimm]

There is a lack of writeups because most people convert to a non-disconnect style.  This only requires a standard size axle shaft and inner axle seal AFAIK.   I would recommend doing this instead of rebuilding a disconnect axle. 

[Eagle]

I wouldn't call that part a "bushing." It doesn't function as a bushing, it functions the same as a synchronizer ring in a manual transmission. My '88 Cherokee has the disconnect axle. It's currently at 287,000 miles, and I've never touched the disconnect. Mine is currently still functional but I hope to get it back on the road for winter, and my plan is to set it in the locked position and forget it.

[8valvehero]

Thanks for the replies guys.

 

I have some kind of axle upgrade in the plans for the future but I'm not sure when that will be. Sounds like I'll just leave it alone for now while I'm running the vacuum CAD.

 

Eagle-

You may be thinking of the coupler ring that is actuated by the disconnect fork.

The bushing I'm talking about is stationary and pressed in to the axle. It carries the outboard end of the center axle. It is also frequently referred to as a bearing, though I think some D30s have an actual roller bearing in this location.