I need to dig into my front end one of these weekends to fix the 4x4 (probably thrust washer). Just curious what the worst case scenario is for driving with the passenger side of the axle/housing removed (pic below)



Just in-case I cannot get it done right away. It already has 0 fluid in it as of right now anyways. (passenger CV is completely shot, fluid pours out there)

I found some parts in LMC that I may need but want to dig in to it first before I order anything (or if its something free but I doubt that).

Thanks guys!

 

besides filling it with dirt and road grime

 

That stuff can always be cleaned haha. Just safety-wise.hoping it's the thrust washer. Found a really good write up on s10extremeists.

 

i keep hearing different opinions from people on this matter. some say the bearing will fall apart without the stub shaft on it to hold it together, but i see a lot of 2wd trucks that have that use 4x4 bearings up front. i dont know if those are made differently or what.

 

If the truck is 4x4 and you remove the cv axle the bearing will seperate and the wheel will fall off im new to this forum but been working with chevy a long time if you are going to buy a new axle when you fix the truck the tear the outside stub shaft off the old one and tighten it up with the nut 133 ft lbs and youll be fine

 

thats what i would think too, i remember taking a axle shaft out of a front wheel drive van, i put the tire back on the bearing just so i could turn the wheel the other way and the bearing pulled in half and i almost fell on my butt just from that little bit of pulling.

but like i said i did a explorer 2wd the other day and it was the same style bearing you would put on a 4x4. i wonder why that one holds together but others dont