M35A3 Air assist cylinder repair.

[BoxTruckMan]

Is there any trick to getting the end cap off? I removed the ring, have new seals in hand, but can't for the life of me get the dang thing out.

OK, I managed to get it. Figured I'd post a follow up since I'm not the first to have this question and might not be the last. There is another split ring on the inside that keeps the end cap from going in further and keeps the piston from coming out. I found the easiest way the break the cap loose was to attach the cylinder to something that keeps the piston from retracting and hook the retract side up to air. The air will push against the end cap and pop it out.

 

[scrapman1971]

What is everyone using for grease when they put their cylinder back together?