And I did use the search
I need this to start working on replacing my axles. Where does one get brass drifts? Is it actually a set of tools or is it something that must be scrounged up? Can't say as I've ever seen them anyplace.
Thanks.

Here is one example which came up on a google search...

http://www.arizonatools.com/catalog/browse/3586-3595-3616/detail/17257/

However, I to not think that is technically a drift... and probably that you did not intend to specify drift as compared to a punch...
I am a mind reader .... a drift is a tool with a long taper and used to catch the edge of a hole not ligned up with another.. then you drive it in to bring the two pieces in alighment long enough to put a bolt or rivet into the hole..

However, It would just kill me to pay that for such a piece of metal like that..

I bought a 20 FOOT 5/8ths rod of brass not long ago for less than $20.... just get out your yellow pages and look locally for ' metals' wholesale.

Remember, Cheap is better.... or gather up some names of others, get the long piece and cut the long piece up and send it to others who will be needing it in the future

It seems like I've seen them at Harbor Fright but any brass rod stock will do the job.

Contact a specialty metal supplier, they should have rod in various diameters that will work. You can buy a chunk of it, and cut several different length drifts out of that stock.

Also, if you're talking about needing a brass drift to knock the axle splines loose from the hub, before going on the quest to find a drift, try backing the retaining bolt out of the axle end about 5-6 turns and gently tapping on the bolt head with a 1/2" drive extension and a mallet. Provided that the splines aren't fused to the hub by rust, it will probably be sufficient to get them loose.

That's what we did on TO's wagon when we had to pull the subframe for the trailing arm bushing replacement project.

Good luck!

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Hehe!! Great (cheap) minds think alike, don't they Greg?

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

They think exactly alike.

of the correct diameter cut to about 10 inches. That is what I used.


thebern

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1982 240D 313,000 (4 speed)
1984 300CD 172,483
1985 German Shepherd Dog -Lacey- R.I.P.11/04/05

Hood Stars, Wrist Crowns and Obsession Dobs

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=41920

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37038

__________________
The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

I cut a lot of firewood to heat the house. From the large blocks that have to be split up to the smaller sticks from the tree branches.

So, I used a stick of firewood - similar to the wood dowel rod discussed above - but even cheaper.

I thought about carving a 3-pt MB emblem on it and selling it on EBay as a factory special tool.



Ken300D

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--------------------------
1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

A special organic tool.

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

If you have one of these nearby you can get it there.

http://www.steeldeal.com/

Should be a similar type place within your vicinity.

Look for brass bar stock and get it cut to length.

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Jim

You're in RI.... Lottsa boatyards around. Lottsa bronze shafts, etc. laying around for free. I gotta coupla feet of bronze shaft for nothing years ago. Cut off 5-6" piece, works great to seat bearings, etc. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K