Drive 4x4 without front diff?

Vegas04 · 03-01-2008, 06:44 PM

Before I go and do something really stupid... If you remove the front driveshafts, front diff assembly, and the front propellor shaft from a 4x4, you can still drive it right? I believe that the axle just slides through the middle of the hub and does not hold the hub togethor... am I right?

**Kronos1965** · 03-01-2008, 08:30 PM

How would you seal it up to keep contaminants out of the front axle?

Vegas04 · 03-01-2008, 08:36 PM

Just in case anyone else is wondering this or searches for an answer to this same question:
The hub is the same on a 4x2. If you reach around to the back side of the hub on a 4x2 you will find a splined hole. The only difference on the backside is the missing shaft at each wheel and the 4x2 has a dust shield insert that goes into the hole to help keep dirt and grime from getting into the hub. Running a 4x4 as a 4x2 looks like a "go."

And to answer post #2: There is no axle at all! I removed the front axle assemble (both driveshafts, both stubshafts, the hunk of aluminum in the middle and the front propellor shaft)

slayer · 03-01-2008, 08:56 PM

Just curious as to why you would do this? Why even buy the 4x4? And if you are selling the front diff and axles let me know.

Vegas04 · 03-02-2008, 08:02 AM

I did it because the stub axles keep sliding out and dumping the gear oil in my driveway. The dealership says its not broken. You have to remove the whole front diff assembly to open the case. When I opened it up I found loose carrier bearings and bad c-clips on both sides. I'm not going to put it back in and have it fail while driving.