Hello:

I have a 1997 S-10 4x4 Blazer 4.3 liter V6.
Problem I need to replace the seals and gaskets in the front axle.
Does anyone out there have pictures drawings for the front axle
I'm wanting to drop front axle and replace all seals and gaskets.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

OK by front axle im going to assume you mean the front differential carrier? If so this is what you need. And also below if a pdf with all the removal instructions. Just so ya know the differential is a complete pain in the **** to get in and out but it can be done with patience lol.Hope it helps ya.

 

Thanks for the pdf drawings, do you have torque specs.
Also whats the easy way to remove the top bolt on the diff.

 

that's a 1st gen dif carrier, isn't it? not sure the differences other then the cv's bolting to the outside flanges on earlier and they slide in on the later

 

The top bolt on the carrier i believe is 18 mm . You simply hold the nut with a wrench and blast off the bolt with a impact. Pretty simple stuff really. Also when i did mine i believe i removed the entire steering linkage to get some clearance to remove the carrier.

 

I just finished up doing this yesterday. The top bolt is 18mm, a box end wrench fits nicely in the hole in the frame and then you can hit it from the other side. You do not need to take off any control arms! I read a bunch of posts on here that said you need to, but don't. You will need to remove the steering linkage, specifically the the crosslink for the tie rods. When you get the diff loose, take out the oil cooler on the driver's side of the engine. With that out, I was able to rotate the diff right out. Chevy has a kit (GM Part # 26033623) that has new thrust washers that you will probably want to pick up. It replaces 7, 20, and 24 in the above drawing. Also, GM # 14039577 is the seal for the passenger side driveaxle tube, #3 above. Those were the only things I replaced and it is working great. Let me know if you need any help. This wasn't as bad of a job as I thought it would be, just a little time consuming!

 

i couldn't fit a 18mm box end wrench in the hole on the frame any other suggestions??