Author Topic: 1985 GMC Sierra 4x4 front axle  (Read 3865 times)

Offline Fourxbob

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1985 GMC Sierra 4x4 front axle
« on: October 05, 2016, 12:00:15 PM »
I got a snap ring on the passenger side axle but not on driver's side. For some reason on the driver's side, the groove in the axle where the snap ring would go is too far towards the inner side. Could this axle be from a different make or model truck, or am I just going about it wrong?

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Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: 1985 GMC Sierra 4x4 front axle
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2016, 08:16:25 AM »
have you reached behind the spindle where the u joint is and tried to push the axle out any?
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Offline Fourxbob

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Re: 1985 GMC Sierra 4x4 front axle
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2016, 06:52:02 PM »
Yeah. I tried that. Disassembled it all today found out all I needed to do was  pry it up a little and then out. But I also found out I need all new bearings too.

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Offline Fourxbob

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Re: 1985 GMC Sierra 4x4 front axle
« Reply #3 on: October 16, 2016, 03:00:19 PM »
Still bad news. After installation of new axle bearing, inner and outer wheel bearings and seal. For some reason I still have the same problem. passenger side axle, the groove for the snap ring is only set in a 1/4" and on the driver's side it's a 1/2". Is that the way it's supposed to be?

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Offline Fourxbob

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Re: 1985 GMC Sierra 4x4 front axle
« Reply #4 on: October 16, 2016, 05:08:47 PM »
have you reached behind the spindle where the u joint is and tried to push the axle out any?
Just broke out the old Haynes manual. According to them the snap ring goes on before the lock out. If that's so the i guess I was doing it all wrong. Oops. Lol

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Offline Blazin

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Re: 1985 GMC Sierra 4x4 front axle
« Reply #5 on: October 20, 2016, 07:48:29 AM »
I have run several truck for a period of time without the snap ring even there. Not knowing it until I took it apart for axle joint, or pack the bearings.
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Offline Fourxbob

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Re: 1985 GMC Sierra 4x4 front axle
« Reply #6 on: October 20, 2016, 08:37:18 AM »
Apparently i have to. This thing has sat for almost 10 years and if I remember right thats when I lost the snap ring to begin with. Only drove it for a year with new bearings in the same side.    Cant figure out why they need replaced again if that wasn't the cause.

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Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: 1985 GMC Sierra 4x4 front axle
« Reply #7 on: October 20, 2016, 09:30:19 AM »
i know weve cut a new grove for a snap ring
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Offline Fourxbob

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Re: 1985 GMC Sierra 4x4 front axle
« Reply #8 on: October 20, 2016, 09:44:47 AM »
I'm just confused as to why its on the outside of the lockout on one side and on in the inner side on the drivers side.

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