73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 4 Wheel Drives => Topic started by: Philthe62 on May 08, 2011, 06:01:03 pm
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I just bought this truck knowing the 4x4 was out. The problem is where the axle connects to the back of the wheel. I'm not quite sure what these parts are called. Can someone tell me? I'm trying to do some research on what it will take to fix this and where to find parts, but don't know where to start.
Thanks for any help, let me know if you need more pics.
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u316/philhart/2011-04-20_19-27-09_13.jpg)
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u316/philhart/2011-04-20_19-27-47_244.jpg)
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Axle shafts and u joints. rockauto.com or your local parts store.
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How have you determined the problem?
The pics show axle shafts and u-joints. To work on them you'll need a spindle nut socket, should be available at you local parts store for around $15. You'll also need the appropriate seals for re-assembly, some snap-ring pliers, normal wrenches and sockets, and axle grease. While you're in there you might as well put the new bearings in it too. It's a fairly involved process to get everything apart, but not too bad. After you do it once, you'll be able to do them again pretty quickly. There are videos on youtube that show the process in pretty good detail. Changing the u-joints themselves is another matter. They can be in there pretty good. This will require a press or vice to push the old ones out, and the new ones in. You have to be careful not to bend the ears that hold them, or you'll never get the inside retaining clips back in.
You could take it to a mechanic and have it done. But if you're gonna be wheeling it much, you might as well learn how to do it yourself. You'll likely be back in there at some point in the future. I can swap an axle in mine in about an hour now, and be back on the road.
Do you have manual locking hubs? If not, now is a good time to do that upgrade as well.
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Looks to me like you are going to need an outer stub axle too. You might want to check the ball joints and if they have play in them install new ones while your there.
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I agree with the others. While you're tearing it down, check your rotors and calipers. If the rotors are worn, consider turning them or if they are not w/in spec., you'll need to replace them. If the piston in the caliper is seized, you'll need to replace the calipers. Calipers are fairly cheap ~$25 - $35 or so. Don't know about rotors.
Good luck. Keep us informed of your progress.
Rusty
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yup, best time to give everything a once over
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Thanks for all the help.
I'm trying to track down parts on rock auto and I'm a bit confused. There are a bunch of different U-Joints, I'm not sure which I need and I couldn't find the outer stub axle.
Also, the front axles are pretty steep and I have the same problem on both sides. If I could get an entire front axle assembly for around 200 at a salvage, would it be wise to go with it? I'm not sure on how to find out the gearing on my front axle. I have a 4.10 stock rear, should that be the same gearing for the front? Been reading up on the swap and it sounds reasonable. I have a family member a couple hours away that races cars, I might be trading some help for some beer. About how long of a job is this with someone who knows what they are doing?
Again thanks, and I apologize for any dumb questions, but I love learning and the best way to do it is through forums like these.
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the title for the u joint should say something about the axle shaft.
If the axle sharts are in good condition and dont look to have any damage, then i dont see a problem, but it depends on how you are going to use your truck.
to get the gear ratio, you can pull the cover and count the teeth on the pinion and ring, and then divide one into the other. I dont remember which way, but its 50/50. or you can lift the front off the ground, turn the driveshaft by hand and count the revolutions of the tire for one turn of the driveshaft, or the other way around, again i dont remember which.
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The front axle should be the same or maybe on number off, 4.10 / 4.11.
Put the $200 toward new parts. 50 / 50 chance the use axle could have issues, plus you have to make sure you get the same gear ratio. You can get 40% stronger than stock new inners, outers, and axle joints for $400 and change from Randy's Ring and Pinion.
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What front axle do you have?
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As far as I know its the stock axle.
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Judging by the size and thickness of the parts i would say it’s only a Dana 44. blaz just had this problem over the winter in a plow truck, I’ve had this problem a couple times over the past summers due to my trying to turn 38's. He upgraded his axles to what he said. While me i just bought some off eBay and junk yards you can usually pick the shafts up used for 40-90 bucks a junk yard might make you buy the whole axle since it won’t be any good to them anymore for 100-200 bucks. But make sure you know what axle you have or it won’t fit.
this is to get at all the parts
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=14931.0
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Is the front end a 10 bolt, or a Dana 44?
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Its a ten bolt
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dont know what i was reading but i thought it was a 79 lol
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If this is a 10 bolt i just remembered i may have an axle in my inventory. Have to double check but the axle shafts are stock, but good. I would ship the axle shafts both short and long sides i would have to sell them as a set due to if i don’t have one the axle is no good to me. Not going to ship the axle lol that would be too much. Let me know