Narrowing an axle without the right tools!

[@gabrieldeane5406]

“I would recommend not doing what I’ve done”😂😂😂 where would be if nobody tried anything? You keep it up and we’ll keep watching and learning!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! I’ll keep doing my thing and try to hit the record button

[@blkmoon5596]

💣 You just blew my mind 💣 with that hack using a piece of muffler pipe! Great job

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice! Glad you got something out of the video

[@fossilfuelenthusiast]

I did something very similar. I sleeved it internally also. Housing never broke with a locker + big tyres + 400hp. Had new axles though

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on

[@Pnw-nick]

Always giving me motivation to just do stuff instead of overthinking everything 😂

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on!

[@emccolly]

That sleeve is sick! I hose clamped 3 angle iron chunks around the tube to hold it straight on my 8.8.

[@thedirtheadshed]

The good ol angle iron trick. Always good

[@scottlewis2372]

That was awesome! The exhaust tubing saved your butt!

[@thedirtheadshed]

It certainly did

[@Jydcuda73]

I need to narrow a rear and for my Plymouth duster and have been trying to figure out a way to avoid buying that expensive fixture or sending it off. Well, now I know what I can do !

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice. Hope it helps

[@talon0863]

"I might be ruining my truck" I'm really glad you said that because I was saying that recently too. Every day is a school day.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Gotta keep learning

[@blkmoon5596]

Dude when you drained that axle and the oil started coming out, holy crap I have never seen such clean gear ⚙️ oil 🛢 so so so clean. Wow

[@thedirtheadshed]

That was a trip

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

I've watched a number of videos about hydraulic cylinders and when those are rebuilt and a new tube is needed the technique is to cut the welds for both ends and then the flange end and the blind end come off with a slight bit per persuasion. The ends are designed to have a precise fit in the barrel to aid with alignment. I think this axle is manufactured the same way. Those hub flanges look like they insert into the ID of the axle tube. Cutting the weld between the flange and tube (just the weld, not all the way through) should allow the flange to be removed and then the end of the tube can be shortened and the flange re-inserted into the end of the tube. I've never tried this, but looking at the cut off end at 10:42 gave me the idea. Looks like you got it done and that's whats important. This thing is going to be awesome when its done.

[@thedirtheadshed]

You are correct. Just like a driveshaft end yoke too

[@junkyardjunkie7192]

When i was 16 i bagged my first truck 88 s10 w a sbc we narrowed a caprice rear housing used the factory caprice 4 link and slid the s10 shafts in it woorked like a champ for a broke kid

[@thedirtheadshed]

Sounds awesome

[@cramcustoms]

That worked out flawlessly and not having to get custom axle shafts for the WIN

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s what I’m saying

[@BigFishOverlanding]

Totally love the "let's just see if this can be done" moments on your show.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Got to just go for it. I was hung up on wondering too long

[@BigFishOverlanding]

I think that's where I'm at on a couple projects on my Land Cruiser. The great thing about not having to daily it, is if it doesn't work out I have time to come up with the next plan.

[@jonnylong4110]

Your channel has quickly become one of my favourites. Keep up the great work good sir!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!! Pass the word

[@AR_420]

Thank you Mr. Chappelle! Appreciate your videos tremendously and get something out of each and every one😊✌️

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching them!

[@Mr-_-Leo]

Love how you jump in and see what happens. You’re rad, Dave!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Too much thinking slows progress

[@Mr-_-Leo]

@@thedirtheadshed Words to live by!!!

[@georgef1176]

Damn that’s a super clean hardbody.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It is really clean. I am stoked I got it

[@rediron44]

Fun day. Woulda been a blast. I miss fabricating. When you sang, "I'm about to screw up my truck" in my head, Fred made up and sang another line...lol.

[@thedirtheadshed]

its hard singing to myself.... need to get my kids in the shop

[@renatotesta902]

Awesome work! I love the idea of the exhaust pipe coupler. Your attitude towards your work is refreshing too. You're incredibly humble and have a valuable skillset. I learned a lot from you and Fred on DED, and I'm going to keep tuning in to both of your channels. Your time on this platform is truly appreciated. Thanks Dave!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for the kind words! I enjoy being on here

[@bradleyashton1631]

It's cool watching how you fab stuff up. I learn cool little tricks

[@thedirtheadshed]

thanks. that's my goal

[@MissionRestomod]

I used an exhaust pipe expander from Harbor freight on the inside and some c/u channel on the outside to narrow my 8.8. It worked awesome.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice. All the tricks

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

An exhaust pipe expanded is a great idea!

[@MissionRestomod]

@@Fix_It_Again_Tony I have rare moments of clarity. I was shopping around for the right size tube/pipe/fitting and was like duh…. It also gave me a reason to use my 3 foot long 3/8 ratchet extension… 😂

[@rickfazzini22]

So cool you have your own channel now, you make great content Dave thanks for sharing!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching ! Tell your friends

[@nashcar9538]

Man I just figured out dirt every day was cancelled....I'm glad I found your KZbin man. Watching faster with Finnegan right now... You were like a Jesse James inspiration for me to get into welding dude glad your on here.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s awesome. Thanks for the support. Keep an eye on the next season of roadworthy rescues too

[@nashcar9538]

@@thedirtheadshed that's on motor trend?

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yes

[@nashcar9538]

@@thedirtheadshed hope you get your own show...what happened to the dirt heads? I watched dirt every day on KZbin before you got the show. Same with roadkill been watching since first episode. I was a kid then man 😂

[@nathanjenkins8284]

I must say you are awesome and you're right that has been on the back of my mind for the longest time on what I'm going to do about getting my tires to tuck under my fenders. The exhaust pipe trick you did... I feel your excitement. I did the exact same thing and got just as excited when I built my first drive shaft for my Nissan. New subscriber here keep up the great work.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s a great trick for driveshafts! I’ve aired it many times

[@jackmehoff2961]

I have complete confidence in your workmanship Dave. Thank You for sharing your video, and letting us hang out.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching

[@ianfairbanks1318]

love the content dave. Looking forward to more 'Zuki content.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m working on plans for that

[@ddracing2257]

Truck is going to be great when you're done. Love the minis slammed in the weeds 👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. Can’t wait to drive it

[@vavendano2000]

Thats awesome and pretty ingenious. You motivate me to get my junk done. Keep up the great work.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks.! Go work on your junk

[@chuckdriver9672]

Way better than bolting a bunch of donated parts on a rig. This is the real world, nice going.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! I’m trying to keep this really simple and affordable

[@JasonMcCord-qk3yb]

Awesome! I was thinking “well at least it’s not a real expensive one like a Dana 44 or Dana 60. Nissan axles are pretty cheap and easy to come by.” That’s awesome! When I built my’90 Nissan pickup, I had to graft on 4x4 front fender bulges to get my wheels to fit. I was static dropped on flipped springs, cut perches and a c- notch. I only had a 2” body drop. Back then (1991) nobody was using air ride yet.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Grafting the fronts to the rear is SO much work

[@GaryFord-Audio]

Massive improvement with your audio, thank you so much!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

thanks, still working it out. getting better though for sure

[@crnutsmotorsports]

You need to buy a lottery ticket. The ID of the axle housing being 2.5", a big stroke of luck. Nicely done Sir!

[@thedirtheadshed]

It definitely worked out!

[@CPPDIYJEEPXJ]

While others are preaching the proper ways to do everything, you’re just getting it done!!! Great job Dave.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks man!

[@saturnfivehynrgrc581]

Good job Dave. I can appreciate your no fear approach. Like button energized.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Much appreciated!

[@marksearcy9708]

Awesome job, first time I have seen anyone shorten an axle.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks

[@antiblingdesigns]

A late 70’s ford courier rear axle is narrower and still six lug. I had one on my body dropped Mazda B2200.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep. Lots of options out there

[@yodaoffroada]

Cut and paste! Gotta love arts and crafts!😊

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s all we do

[@Will_my65gmc]

Nice job on that Dave! I'm a little behind on your content but am catching up. Another way you can help yourself line up something like this without the "right tools". You can use two thick pieces of angle and clamp them in place spanning the two axle pieces to line them up. Keep up the great work dude!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep. Always a good trick

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

I've got faith in your skills dave,the exhaust tubing was a great idea.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks: its gonna be good

[@BPDRacing1]

I love all the cool stuff you do and all the rad cars you work on. I wish Dirt Every Day was still a thing but you are killing it on your own! Thanks for sharing

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much for the support

[@jaxsonjohnson8333]

Man I’ve always wondered how a narrowed axel was made now it all makes sense. Thanks Dave your a big inspiration for my diy mechanic dreams. Hope to see you out on the trails some day.

[@thedirtheadshed]

This is one of Many ways to do it

[@lowlifechris5833]

I love love love what you are doing been with you from day one back at dirt everyday till now but only my left earbud has sound it’s 11:27pm I’m in bed my wife is asleep I really really need left and right sound in my ear buds bud 😮😢😂

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah. I’m still figuring out how to set up there mics. Sorry bud

[@jeepspeednate]

Hey Dave, your videos inspired me to go snow wheeling with my friends. I was nervous driving the untested jeep on the street, but it was probably one of my most favorite wheeling trips ever.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Ahh nice! Got to get out and enjoy it whenever possible

[@hackgarage8595]

Nice work! Your spline engagement shouldn’t change, just pushing the previous unengaged splines into the diff/spider gears. I’m guessing you got to the end of the usable splines and that’s what bottomed out. I’m glad you pulled it out a 1/16th, or so. Nice work, my man! That exhaust sleeve was trick!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I was stoked to find the ID that close to be able to sleeve it without machining

[@ericwevans1972]

That's exactly what I was thinking.

[@4knanapapa]

Just found your site recently after spending years watching you and Fred, love the time you take explaining everything in detail, keep pumping out the great tutorials.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! I’ll keep hustling

[@jdhamm155]

Mistakes happen it's ok as long as you learn and not make the same mistakes over and over again.... having the balls to try priceless

[@thedirtheadshed]

Exactly

[@dboboc]

As long as no one is paying him to.

[@uncletoddsgarage]

Awesome video Dave! Been watching you on “Dirt” for years. Really enjoy getting to see more in depth videos of your fab skills. Thank you.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on . Thanks for the continued support

[@markgordon6971]

Not too many people would have done what you just did. Nice work.

[@thedirtheadshed]

thanks. its fun figuring it out

[@roadkill-uk]

learning alot an enjoying your videos more an more dave

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! That is a cool truck. I need to get back on it

[@roadkill-uk]

@@thedirtheadshed it really is i love the way youve made that chassi there am just redoing space frame on what was my dads race car from 70s an 80s so i certainly can see how much work youve put into it

[@Yuichi454]

Gives me the confidence to try this on an axle someday hopefully soon.

[@thedirtheadshed]

let me see if this works first...

[@nwoffroader]

I can’t wait to see it with the bed set back on it!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Me too!

[@OneTwo-wt8qv]

... good to see u back with Dave and Cotton ..Old Lady ask me if I 'm a minitrucker .. ahhh .. damn am I ? ... I like this stuff ..

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah. Hopefully more to come!

[@OneTwo-wt8qv]

@@thedirtheadshed That wishbone is sweet ...

[@oldhawkins]

Love the fabrication videos! I like your willing to experiment and take us along even if it don't work out. Life's not about perfection! Keep up the great content!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m glad you appreciate it too!

[@richheider8455]

That would be a problem then what about moving the taper down. Do you have friends with vertical Mills that would be able to modify the axle shafts?

[@otox58]

You’re doing a great job with these. Super informative and you make it seem approachable.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on. Thanks for the feedback

[@joshuazientara4452]

I hope it works as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching

[@gabevancappellen6090]

Great tutorial and video. Looking forward to seeing the video on the rear suspension. I am re doing the rear setup on my body dropped Tacoma. Wanting to run similar to you but also have lift bars going back and keep the tank in the stock location. Keep Mini Truckin'

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ll keep posting. Thinking about doing lift bars too

[@HackeryGarage]

That looks mint!! I don't see any issue with it other than not a lot of spline engagement. But since it's a mintruck, with minimal power, it should be fine. It will be fine, until it isn't at least!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep! When it’s a problem I will figure out a solution

[@HackeryGarage]

@@thedirtheadshed I love that attitude. That's how I am getting through on my projects as of late. I gave up making things perfect. Good enough for who it's for is my favorite phrase as of late.

[@thousandoaksauto1696]

Hey Dave, I've done it that way but, I used thin walled DOM & drilled holes for rosette welds. You'll be fine!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on. Cheers

[@spoolbusben1356]

Nice work my dude.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks Ben

[@daveherrington9112]

I plan on doing this with a Dana 60 that's going in my blown Vega wagon, but I'll be shortening mine to the point of needing custom axles regardless, but it's nice to see that my plans for doing this myself are definitely doable, so thanks for the confirmation.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Definitely. Your best route is probably to go 9” bearing end cups. Then uses 35 spline cut to fit shafts like my yj uses

[@wrangler065]

your limitations are limited to willingness to try...ive seen guys narrow rear axles at home with nothing but a chop saw, angle grinder and stick and mig machine..have seen a few good videos here on youtube too..you can accomplish anything if you try and have a lil fabrication knowledge and you don't need a lot of fancy tools or machines to accomplish it..

[@kirkbecker7674]

Super cool to see your thought process and how you were able to work through your axle being too wide!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for following along

[@MartinHurley]

Great job on your fit up. Looks like you nailed it. I’ve never done a axle before but in some cases of pipe welding where it’s connected to pumps we use dial gauges to show deflection. Some times then a tig torch is used to “dry run” the weld without adding filler to get it the metal to shrink and draw in that direction. Maybe useless information but could also mean the difference in having to cut something apart.

[@thedirtheadshed]

that's all good info. I have always questioned the way pipeline fitment is done and how much it moves around.

[@petecrabtree6734]

Super great idea looks like it'll work 🦅🇺🇸💪😁👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

it should. If it doesn't I may try cutting and splicing an axle shaft

[@vwspdfrk]

Makes plan and does it, true skills

[@thedirtheadshed]

A loose plan at that. Thanks

[@dream_living96]

Man that's crazy. Cutting up the axle. I'm impressed with your fab skills. I'd be happy just being able to repair the rust spots on my f250. 😂 keep it up.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Gotta get out there and fix the rust before it gets away from you

[@JasonNethers]

Looks good! I think it will work fine.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! It’ll be good till it isn’t

[@theericbenson1692]

I would've done the same thing. I saw the lengthened splines done by handy skinny wheel work.. I was hoping you'd clamp a piece of angle iron on the outside when tacking it in place. But it looks like it will be just fine! Keep the content coming!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching. I’ll keep building!

[@HallsRodShop]

Nothing like a little dirt head shed and working on my 60 thunderbird project!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Ooh… nice

[@mikes2876]

I use angle iron in 2 or more places for tube alignment. I've done this to 4 or 5 Ford housings with good results.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s a good technique

[@joshuapoche5137]

We used to just buy 2 more 4x4 front fenders and cut the flare out and replace with the 4x4 flare. We didnt have to skill to cut up axles though. Sheet metal just seems easier

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ve done that. Too much bodywork. Dang near impossible to make it good enough for paint

[@NeverLetOff]

Loving your videos! Also was great seeing you on Faster with Finnegan!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you. Keep an eye out on Roadworthy Rescues as well…

[@NeverLetOff]

@@thedirtheadshed hell yeah! Derek is awesome! You and Vise Grip are some of my favorite YT channels.

[@gwwaller]

Good episode! Can't wait to see how it all fits. Fingers crossed for ya! Can't wait to see when it's all done! Your making me want a mini truck!!! Had a buddy that had a Datsun 620 back in the day that rode worse than my lifted Jeep CJ, it was awesome!!! LMAO!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Get one. Then make it ride smoothly. Way more fun that way

[@4x4_mark]

I love it just getting it done 🤙🏼

[@thedirtheadshed]

chop chop!

[@4HIGHGARAGE]

Love you channel Dave. I think you’re bottoming out the end of your splines and so the axle can’t go deeper. Not the end of your axle to the inside of the spider gear. To be safe you might pull the axles and center section and set them up on the bench to be sure. Take that cut off wheel and cut longer splines down the axle.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I did that . If you look at the last time i install the axle there are some hand ground splines

[@4HIGHGARAGE]

@@thedirtheadshed missed it. You’re crushing the internets. Keep at it they say the first year is the hardest on the YouTubies.

[@TeamNiem]

Hey Dave you should consider doing a little Q&A style thing like Ian does over at his Big Tire Garage KZbin channel. Pick 2-3 random questions in the comments and answer in the video.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I will get there. Hopefully soon

[@deadlyfxdb]

Great video!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@tptrsn]

Amazing video, thanks!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching

[@baldeaglegarage]

Like a glove!

[@thedirtheadshed]

It came together !

[@justacoupleofkids320]

Think if you cut along the body line that creates the flare, then pick a horizontal line toward the lower part of the bed side and cut there, then do a vertical cut in the center between the top and bottom cuts, then you can pull the centers out and weld in wedge shaped pieces to fill the gaps top and bottom and in the center gap.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I know how to cut it. I also know how much work the bodywork part of it is. this is the easy way out.

[@eldonhalliburton4766]

Mini Truckin’s not dead

[@thedirtheadshed]

On the rise

[@TheKustomBeardoh]

Seems like it should be good. I’ve seen worse things done to axles that still worked…hahaha I’m sure yours will be just fine. Minitruckin at it’s best! If it don’t fit, cut it and make it fit.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Exactly

[@mikeself]

Thanks for not pulling the bedsides, Dave. It always looks like an afterthought

[@thedirtheadshed]

I did it on the landscraper. but it was a long bed and it flowed better.. these ones were gonna look like garbage. Cheers bud.

[@mikeself]

Yeah, a longbed is definitely a different story! Can’t wait to see the next update!

[@wbonilla35]

you are awesome love the video

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@BennyHubba]

Looks awesome!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@object13]

the narrowed 8.8 i have for a toyota wasnt narrowed like that but looks like it works. Should try and get the merc out to the vintiques in yakima. huge show, tons of amazing cars.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I need to get that Mercury done so bad. trying to stay focused on this Nissan first though

[@object13]

@The Dirthead Shed plenty of shows across the inland northwest the Nissan would be loved at. I'd love to take pictures of it, need to drag my camera out more often. Been lazy about it in recent years

[@dironaa]

Great vid as usual Dave. FYI I'm only getting sound from the left ear bud. Maybe its a camera setting or a setting in the video editor?

[@thedirtheadshed]

yeah. sorry about that. I just started using real mics and I think its set to mono

[@tgc1460]

Woo hoo! I'm viewer #1553. Well done video and tutorial.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching!

[@jacquesbrink9113]

Band your weld for extra reinforcement when striking n hard bump or hole in the road

[@thedirtheadshed]

I have more tricks to come. Don’t worry

[@theoriginalDirtybill]

Dave, you need some wall racks for your jack stands...

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah. I saw @vicegripgarage and was impressed

[@theoriginalDirtybill]

@@thedirtheadshed these are ones i designed/made based off of some of the other ones out there on itsy, egay etc... they will fit almost all jack stands and angle them up so the post doesn't slide out and murder you. i can share the DXF file if you want to have some cut out.

[@stevencarter7999]

Don't the 4x4 beds flare out more, or is that just the front fenders? I remember everybody running 4wd front fenders on those hard bodies. Don't remember if the beds are the same

[@witcher71]

Bedsides are the same. Toyota had the 4x4 flare bed.

[@thedirtheadshed]

nissan has same bed on 2 and 4wd. only front fenders changed.

[@red26rocker]

So what was the finished outside-wheel to wheel measurement? Couldn’t believe you left us in suspense on that 😮

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ve still got to do the other side. Should end up at 62 3/4”

[@JeepnJeff]

It's not a hot rod unless it's a little sketch. Looks like the sleeving came out really nice actually.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That part was sweet

[@richardhill7245]

It would be interesting to see the camber and the toe.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ll let you know if I see it

[@jerrydawg4434]

I miss my old hardbody.

[@thedirtheadshed]

We all get old. Not as fit as we once were

[@mikemaquet7434]

Favorite Comment, "I don't know that this is a tutorial,.... This is a life experiment"

[@thedirtheadshed]

We will see if it worked

[@richheider8455]

That's another way of narrowing an axle you could always have the spines cut longer on the axle shaft later 😉

[@thedirtheadshed]

the shaft tapers down. no material to cut more splines into

[@matthewmcclelland709]

Nice!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks

[@benjones-lb8ut]

Very cool, I don’t think you’ll break an axle shaft it will work fine.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m sure it’ll be ok

[@mk2tom1]

Fab videos are great! You have to let us know what width you ended up with when you are done.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I've got to button up the other side.

[@artemkichigin1231]

Каждый по своему с ума сходит

[@thedirtheadshed]

True!