Re: Front Axle


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Posted by Keith in Washington [24.41.44.238] on Friday, December 10, 2010 at 12:04:13 :

In Reply to: Front Axle posted by Greg in Indy [69.208.132.205] on Thursday, December 09, 2010 at 16:56:13 :

If you have it torn apart that much I would open the front axle plus tackle a few other things.

First there is always some rotational slop in the drive line. This is due to the side gears as mentioned below and possible gear/pinion wear/adjustment.

Pull the differential out. Clean it up and do an inspection. Also clean out the axle housing. It is amazing what people have found in housings. The front differential is usually the best one in a truck especially if lockouts are used. They often show little wear as compared to the rear axle as 4 wheel drive is not always used.

Take the knuckles completely apart. Clean up everything. Check the bearings and replace the seals. Do not forget the bushings inside the axle and spindle. There is old grease and most likely water in the knuckles. Adjust all the bearings an this will really help in getting your front axle back in shape and give you much better stability.

Also replace the tie rod ends. To help with the steering. You have them loose while doing the knuckles so it is a good time to do it.

Also rebuild the ends of the drag link. This will help your steering.

While your in there replace the spring bolts and bushings. It will really help in the front end stability. They are available. Not too much fun to do but it is needed.

I know that I have suggested a lot more than you might have been planning but you have it torn down do it will be easier. If you do the above your front end will be nice and tight and back to specs. This will really show in the stability of your truck. The shakes and shimmy will be gone and any tire imbalance will not set the whole front end from shaking. I did this to both of my trucks. The carryall originally shook so badly I could not get above 20 mph. Now it is really stable and I can let loose of the steering wheel at 70+ mph and it will track straight and true down the road with no vibrations. My 51 PW was not as bad but it really improved especially when I redid the spring bolts and tie rod ends.



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