@eric615 , First, welcome on joining the forum. If you decide to go the route to pull the front differential forward, it might be a good time to add the front locker if interested. Regardless, since you just joined yesterday, the video links for the locker install may help understand the work involved for pulling the axle by removing the front differential. This list is just a personal draft of lessons learned from installing the locker last week. See item 13 as my O ring was disengaged when putting things back together, almost missed it. Good Luck.
P500 Torq-Master Locker Install Tips.
- Link to JWB Video. https://hondasxs.com/attachments/tl-honda-final-6-28-18-pdf.79804/
- Link to AMR (Jay_man81) video P500 - Torq-Masters torq locker feedback
- Read supplied instructions front to back before starting, will clarify videos (shims vs cone washer reuse, etc). A link to a .pdf of instructions would be helpful.
- Bumper and winch may come off as a unit, depending on type.
- Take measurement of exposed threads on 4wd cable to help in reinstall.
- Caution: Pull 4wd sensor plug instead of removing bolt and twisting wire.
- Free up brake line, just 2 bolts each side. Calipers remained in place.
- Do not have to remove steering joint, just A arm bolts, ample clearance to pull axle out.
- Recommend Zip tie or other method to support loose axles to A arm to prevent stress after removal from differential.
- Before starting to remove cross pin, get proper sized drill bit and pin punch to remove pin (someone give proper size) and a point punch to re-dimple pin in place.
- Pre lube locker surfaces during installation.
- Circlip update from Torq-Master. Axle Re-installation - Remove the circlip from the differential side of the axle shaft assembly. Then tighten the circlip using pliers, reducing the diameter of the circlip. Reinstall circlip onto the axle shaft ensuring that the circlip is tight in the circlip recess in the axle shaft.
- Caution: when reinstalling fromt drive shaft into engine coupling housing, check O ring. Also the rubber boot has tabs to pull over the coupling. Do this last when you can spin the axle during rotation test, pull boot over in sections as you rotate shaft.
- Refill with 75-140w gear oil (optional heavier weight).
- Clean dripped oils, then reinspect after riding to ensure no leaks at differential.
- Give a Thanks to Torq Masters on their FB page, website or Honda SxS forum here: Welcome TORQ Masters to the Honda SxS Club!