b615rich Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 I just bought a '59 B-75. It was a single axle, but a new frame was added with a twin screw set up on Reyco springs (unknown axle mfg., can't find any ID on the housing. Truck runs and drives great, I picked it up 250 miles away and drove it with no issues. I went to have the brakes done and the mechanic pulled one axle and said the spider was "blown apart." The odd thing is it drives perfectly, even with the power divider disengaged. He thought it might be locked but I know with one tire on wet ground it will spin, so I think it's out. Would it still drive fine? Any rebuilders in the NY area anyone would recommend? ANY ideas, comments, education welcome. Thanks. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quickfarms Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 Before you get to deep into the brakes. Have your mechanic pull all the axles and both centers out so they can be inspected and you can determine how bad the damage is. If the damage is real bad it might be better just to swap the axles. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-256246 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 to my way of thinking if a spider gear was blown as in broken it cant drive and sure as heck cant work as in like a diff big question is how can someone tell the spider gear is crook with out pulling the diff center out you sure cant see into the diff from the hub end or at least I cant Paul Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-256257 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhead204 Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 did they reinstall the axle into the side gear and turn it? this will cut the crap and answer the problem. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-256261 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Hatfield Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 He may be talking about the brake spider that holds brakes together. If the differential spider was blown apart, you wouldn't go far and it would be noisey! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-256264 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhead204 Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 I thought that too but the power divider comment didn't make sense then. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-256268 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b615rich Posted August 18, 2014 Author Share Posted August 18, 2014 Thanks for replying. To answer what I know, the mechanic (very reputable shop, does heavy trucks only), said the spider "shaft" I assume that's the X shaped shaft with the gears on it. (?). Not brake related, the diff. He said he could see it through the axle tube. He put the axle back in and I drove away fine. Again, drives so nicely you'd never expect a problem. Anyone heard of these broken w/ no noises or drive ability issues? Any good drivetrain specialty shops near Newburgh NY, Danbury, CT, etc.? Thanks again. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-256376 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 what type of back banjo or top mount I would just pull the center out my self and have a look and as I have said if a spider gear was blown I would think you would no about it Paul Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-256393 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b615rich Posted August 20, 2014 Author Share Posted August 20, 2014 Thanks again. A little more research and some say with the power divider off only the BACK. axle drives, some say only the FRONT. If the back were not driving may explain the lack of noise (?). Side note, I got a hold of the guy who put this together and he said rears are from a 70's - 80's Reo. i looked and the units are Eatons. Any other thoughts? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-256717 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 The power divider acts as a differential between the front and rear drive axles.....If open (or unlocked) all the power can flow to one wheel (on either axle).....when locked, both drives receive equal torque regardless of traction......Hell, happened to me last week trying to back into our setup spot for the vac, off the side of a ramp down loading dock....i LOVE my cross locks.....all power, all wheels, ALL THE TIME......(wasn't dumb enough to try to turn while all locked up on asphalt ) Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-256722 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 as said above the power should be equally divided between all wheels all of the time until a wheel starts to slip as that is what a diff doeswhen the power divider is in both axles have equal power regard less of if one axle is slipping ie crossing a real deep gutter and one axle in the airwhen you have cross locks no matter what happens all wheels will keep on spinning ideal for sloppy slippery spots I think you are getting some miss information from some people front and rear axles drive all the time weather diff lock is in or out I still cant see how it would drive with a broken spider gear and if it did it would be real noisy and jump as it locks and unlocks as the bits move around I think as I have said pull the center out and have a look or at least drain the oil and pull an axle out maybe go buy a cheap bore scope and have a look and you might be able see bits floating around inside can buy bore scopes for under $100 that way you can start to under stand whats going on or not going onPaul Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-256756 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b615rich Posted December 21, 2014 Author Share Posted December 21, 2014 Fixed. Rebuilt carrier from Camereotas. Brakes, bearings, studs now still drives well but no worries. As for power divider it's definitely not engaged, one tire will spun on softground, over a ditch, etc. air valve is there but wires go nowhere. May try it someday but worry it may not disengage, etc. thanks for the input. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-271214 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b615rich Posted December 21, 2014 Author Share Posted December 21, 2014 Fixed. Rebuilt carrier from Camereotas. Brakes, bearings, studs now still drives well but no worries. As for power divider it's definitely not engaged, one tire will spun on softground, over a ditch, etc. air valve is there but wires go nowhere. May try it someday but worry it may not disengage, etc. thanks for the input. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36716-broken-spider-shaft-still-drives-fine/#findComment-271215 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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