Differential on Murray Explorer

[drichards]

My son and I got an old Murray Explorer (I think) that we are restoring. The axle has a differential on it (see photo). The biggest issue has been removing the brake disks so we can seat a new brake caliper. The disks are basically fused onto the axle. So my thought was to remove the axle. My question is, if we just replace the entire axle with a live axle, are we losing anything performance-wise by ditching the differential? Thank you!

Also, if you have any thoughts on how to remove the brake disk other than beating the snot out of it, I'm all ears!

 

[Denny]

Yes, you are loosing the corner turning ability. But only slightly. The way to remove the frozen on brake discs would be a penetrating oil and heat. Clean all the rust off the axle and disc with a wire brush and sandpaper. Then soak with penetrating oil, PB Blaster, Kroil, Diesel fuel, atf & acetone. Let soak for as long as need be and wail on with a hammer as necessary. Or you can add heat with a acetylene or propane torch.

 

[drichards]

Yes, you are loosing the corner turning ability. But only slightly. The way to remove the frozen on brake discs would be a penetrating oil and heat. Clean all the rust off the axle and disc with a wire brush and sandpaper. Then soak with penetrating oil, PB Blaster, Kroil, Diesel fuel, atf & acetone. Let soak for as long as need be and wail on with a hammer as necessary. Or you can add heat with a acetylene or propane torch.

Thank you so much! Very helpful advice.

 

[madprofessor]

I don't get it. Brake disc on top left is just sitting floppy on the axle with no hubs. Are you talking about a brake disc hub on the left side (out of picture) that's frozen onto the axle? If so, the wheel hub must come off first, does it come off easily?
Then there's the brake disc on the right side, what's going on with that one? Or is this a '70's flashback? The colors, the colors...............

 

[drichards]

I don't get it. Brake disc on top left is just sitting floppy on the axle with no hubs. Are you talking about a brake disc hub on the left side (out of picture) that's frozen onto the axle? If so, the wheel hub must come off first, does it come off easily?
Then there's the brake disc on the right side, what's going on with that one? Or is this a '70's flashback? The colors, the colors...............

Ha! Yea sorry it's a confusing photo. I can get that side off easily, but the other side can't move. I think I'm to the point of just cutting the axle off and ordering a new one and just going with a standard live axle without the differential. The axle lock collars are completely frozen.

 

[Denny]

You are just frustrated. Don’t get in a hurry to cut things up. It just takes time, patience and work.

 

[madprofessor]

The axle lock collars are completely frozen.

Guessing you're talking about some solid circle or single-split circle locking collars with setscrews in them. Got 5 minutes? Slap these on instead, without pulling anything off of the axle, or gouging any setscrews into the axle.....................
1" Bore Double Split Shaft Collar Black Oxide Set Screw Style (4 PCS) | eBay

 

[AutoXdriver]

Regarding live axle vs using the diff, I expect it is an "open" diff that will allow each wheel to turn at different speeds which is ideal for pavement use. If it's going to be run primarily in the yard, etc. then a live axle is fine, and even desirable if you want to drift/powerslide it on dirt/gravel, etc. because the difference in wheel speeds means it is breaking traction slightly in a corner already and doesn't take as much to "break it loose". An open diff will only spin one wheel under power.