Sovereign 18 differential locked

[Simplicity7013H 95]

Hi guys, on the Sovereign 18 I just got, the differential is locked. I know what the problem is and how to fix it. The inner axle is too far to the right causing gears to lock. I need to move the axle to the left and reset the collar on the LH side of the axle but the inner axle won't move. It should be able to slide to the left like I was removing the axle but won't budge. I tired pounding it as well. It's a simple fix but the darn axle won't budge. Any ideas on why it won't slide to the left? Your help is appreciated, thanks, -Elliott

Also, in an archived post according to Rod,

"I had one that was locked when I traded for it. I got hold of the manual and it was set up as the manual said. I removed two of the three washers that were on the left side of the left axle gear and put them on the right side of the gear and the diff was unlocked. If that gear is able to move too far to the right, it will engage both sets of spider gears and lock the axle."

I believe that the gear is too far to the right engaging both of the spiders as Rod said. Instead of flip flopping the washers I can just move the axle to the left and that will move the gear right? But the axle won't move that's the only problem...

[1978Simplicity7016H 39]

If you got the retaining ring off, and it still won't budge, maybe the keys on the inner axle gear are sheared/jammed?

One thing you could try is get the right hub and differential off but keep the left wheel on. Jack up the right side securely. Start it up and carefully move the hydro lever forward (or backward).

This will cause the outer axle to rotate but the inner axle has traction (hence the left wheel on the floor). Also since the right wheel, hub, and differential are removed, there is nothing for the outer axle to gain traction on except the inner axle, which should break free if everything is smooth. If you do this just be careful that the tractor doesn't move forward and then fall of the jack, block, etc.

If the two axles break free of each other, jack the other side off the floor and the inner axle should slide out. Check for burrs, rust, etc.

I would then clean and regrease the diff, but if it looks ok re assemble according to a diagram. Before you completely re assemble, leave the right hub off and run the transmission like before with the left wheel on the ground. Look inside the diff and all of the spider gears should be spinning. Put the right hub and wheel back on and you should be able to spin each wheel independently.

Good Luck!

[1978Simplicity7016H 39]

We exchanged PM's and I misunderstood him. The left collar is stuck, not the axle itself.

He's not sure if he can get to it tonight though.

[Simplicity7013H 95]

Sorry for misunderstanding Daniel. The collar isn't stuck but the axle is stuck. I tried what you suggested and it didn't work wheel was just spinning. Do I have to take the diff carrier off? This is what I had on still when I tried what Daniel suggested.

See the space between the diff carrier and the gear?? Thats whats causing it to lock. So how do I get rid of that space?? I tried sliding the axle to the left but it wont budge, I tried pounding the gear too and it wont budge. Spiders in diff

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