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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 4 Wheel Drives => Topic started by: lt1kicker on May 16, 2007, 04:58:48 pm
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Picked up my 79 last night. When I test drove it, the 4x4 seemed to work fine, but I'm sure it's been neglected over the years, judging from the rest of the truck. Is it serviceable, as in does the Transfer Case and front diff fluid need to be checked and changed? Obviously the front diff would, but what about the TC? I believe the gear selection is:
Lo
N
2hi
4hi
I think. Can't remember exactly. It has manual locking hubs as well.
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Yes you can change the lube in the Transfur and both diffs.
I'd go and change the oils and lubes, replace any driveshaft grease seals if needed, lube the chassis. Check all the bearings in the axles, While you have the diff covers off look at the gears for bluing, missing teeth,metal chips, and excessive backlash(possiable future problems) Replace the trany filter and gasket(if so equiped)Check the U-joints before greasing them(if they have zerks fittings)Lube the doors, hood, tailgate, and E-Brake cable. Check the exhaust for leaks and any wires touching it. Check the tierod ends and balljoints. Steal the old ladys turkey baseter and replace the power steering fluid. Might as well remove the brake fluid from the master cylinder and bleed new fluid through the system. I might have missed something.
Steve
Thats my description of PMCS(Preventive Maintance Checks and Services)
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Thanks.
I discovered when I remove the RH rear hubcap that the axle shaft seal is leaking. Not sure how bad, but it was a mess. I'm hoping its an easy fix?
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The axle seal is a pain as you have to remove the axle.
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Greaaaat. Hopefully it's a slow leak... ::)
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If its the seal leaking and not brake fluid from the wheel cylinder, you have to remove the shaft that holds the spider gears in diff carrier, so you can push the axle in to get the C-Clip out, then you can remove the axle. Its sounds easy but there is a bolt that retains the shaft that brakes off sometimes, then the fun begins. And if that bolt comes out nice and you get the seal and or bearing replaced, getting them spiders back in can be fun too. Its not hard you better do your homework.If you have a Full Floater rear then its a piece of cake getting the axle out 8 bolts its out!
Steve
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I think it's a ten or twelve bolt rear. It will be a PITA I'm sure. Maybe I'll just keep the fluid topped off!
It is gear oil because I can smell it. So, I probably ought to service the rearend anyway. We'll see what happens.
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Ahh the axle seals aren't hard to do. If it's leaking that bad it's contaminating your brake shoes so you have to fix it. Wet gear oil soaked brakes grab like a wet clutch and lock up. We can walk you through changing the axle seals it's messier and smellier than it is hard.
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Thanks man ;D I'm anxious about what I find when I take the cover off the diff. I'll have it on a lift with a mechanic friend so we may just need a little guidance.