cheapest way to press an object 80" long

[sierradmax]

Current project is "exterior sleeves" for a Jeep D44 axle. I've decided to "cut & turn" the front axle for proper axle "C" caster. Instead of cutting and removing the axle C's, I cut the factory 2.496" OD axle tubes in the center, on either side of the differential and will sleeve the outside with 3" DOM, 1/4" wall. While pressing on the passenger side sleeve, I need a press (or the means to) to accommodate a length of 80". Any ideas?

 

[mcj115]

do you have access to a garage, basement or other structure with an I bean support? I would use just use space between the concrete floor and the I beam with a bottle jack as a makeshift press.

 

[BFBOB]

...or failing a place to do as mcj suggested, bolt leg extensions onto your HF 20 ton press (you do have one, riiiiight?) About another 4' would do it.

Buy another press with the HF super coupon, bolt its legs onto yours, do the deed, sell the extra press on CL at an obscene profit.

 

[Jswain]

Assuming since you're doing this work to a jeep you have a jackall. Thinking you could rig this up pretty easy laying on its side with a strap/chain/wire rope or something wrapped around one C to the end of the jack all

 

[sierradmax]

All good ideas. I do have a hilift jack., bottle jacks, lifts, HF-20 ton.

No steel I-beams in my house or garage. I do have lali-columns cemented into floors @ 96" centers...

 

[fourjeepin]

Interesting. I have started gathering parts several times to build a wider front axle for my Jeep. Still have a 35 spline ARB in a 9” hi pinion case with 4.10 gears waiting for a housing.

What kind of D44? Mr. N might have some ideas. He has cut down many front axles though I believe he cut the Cs not the axle tubes. Currie cuts the tubes when building a front 9”.

 

[matt_i]

Never messed with axles but will a threaded rod work? Standard ungraded rods are available in 10' / 120" lengths.

I don't know how much "press" or interference you have...that drives the tonnage needed, warming/cooling parts can also ease the assembly process.

 

[metaleltr]

Long threaded rod and a through hole hydraulic ram would be a great way to do this.

 

[sierradmax]

The threaded rod idea is brilliant and that's what I'll use. It's a JK D44 that will get 3" external sleeves and a truss. Probably end up being the heaviest and strongest D44..

 

[Gotcha640]

Would an air hammer and a piece of steel across do it, just get your heaviest buddy to sit on it?

 

[Air21]

Lots of dry ice and a big propane weed burner... Add beer for maximum precision!

 

[.mike.]

Just rotate the Cs. It's a lot less work, and even easier if you upgrade them with Crane or Reid knuckles. Truss the housing for the needed strength.

 

[sierradmax]

Just rotate the Cs. It's a lot less work, and even easier if you upgrade them with Crane or Reid knuckles. Truss the housing for the needed strength.

I'm sticking with the JK axle C's, ball joint eliminators and reid JK knuckles.