Front axle removal and re-installation
 

Hello, I have oil leaks :( from the pan and cooler, which means removing the front axle (since I have the 4wd and all). Now what I'm curious of is what will need to be replaced upon re-installing my axle and steering linkage. Will my tie rod ends, pittman arm or any other pieces I'm forgetting need to be replaced, obviously some of the bushing on the axle bolts will need to be replaced. This is the biggest job I'm gonna solo on any of my vehicles and would appreciate any advice from people who have already done this job :D

just check as you go when you start takeing it apart anything that looks worn or is broken anything that looks weak or is a high were part such as ball joints and such should be replaced while your in there anything that has a grease fitting on it hit it with some grease which really should be done every oil change

Pulling the axles, differential and all the steering is a major pain... I'd figure it's almost as hard as pulling the motor! You could try leaving everything where it is and drop the pan 1/4" and try to squirt a little permatex anaerobic non-hardening gasket in the leaking area.

I'd also suggest replacing the seals on the front differential where the axles go in if you have to separate them from the differential. They're pretty cheap ($10-15 from GM) and its not hard to snag one when removing the axle.

I planned on doing the ball joints while I was in there foolin around. I also looked to see if i could just lower it and goop it up, But that just aint gonna happen as the diff is right smack dab in the way :(. As much as it pains me to say this a bout a beautiful chevy truck, its a terribly non-userfriendly design. If I wasnt terrified to death of all the electrical connection and where they go, I would just pull the motor, used to do it to my S10 all the time with my dad.

I know what your saying somethings are tough to work on because of space.I had the same problem ,tried to fix it by dropping the pan just enough to get some sealent in but it still leaked just not as fast

Not sure where to ask this question, so it seems like you all have done this so maybe you can help. I am replacing front Differential 98 blazer 4wh i have one to put in, but I am confused. When I took out old one, book told me to mark where drive axle and differential met with paint marker to reinstall in same way. Well, the new one can go one of two ways, one must be right and one must be wrong, but will I screw things up if I hook it up wrong or is there a way to tell? I'm stumped on this one.