help on disconnecting the front axle so it does not spin

[pokeyman]

I know I can install manual locking hubs but is there another way to prevent the front axle from turning.

 

[sleepydad]

I know I can install manual locking hubs but is there another way to prevent the front axle from turning.

not unless you replace the cv axles with something that unlocks from the front hubs, no. the ADD hubs are bolted right to the CV axle with that huge 32mm axle nut, the one under the super annoying black metal dust cover.

you could take the front drive shaft off? but that is not going to stop the front CV axles from spinning. you could also swap in steering knuckles from 2wd version I think?

what exactly are you thinking about doing? a little more info might help?

 

[pokeyman]

I have a front differential that is noisy and I dont want to replace it.

 

[TheDurk]

I have a front differential that is noisy and I dont want to replace it.

Do you know what's wrong with it? If it's just the CV bearings, they can be replaced without pulling the diff. If it's just the driver side, consider the ECGS bushing replacement for the bearing. Videos on YouTube.

 

[pokeyman]

I am not really sure but it was low on fluid due to an axle seal leak maybe only 2 cups of fluid when i went to drain it and now there is a howling sound especially on deceleration.

 

[TheDurk]

I am not really sure but it was low on fluid due to an axle seal leak maybe only 2 cups of fluid when i went to drain it and now there is a howling sound especially on deceleration.

It might be worth pulling the CVs and eyeballing those bearings. If you see one in pieces, then you are close to a relatively easy fix. Start with the driver's side, which is a wimpy little needle bearing, that would not enjoy extended fluid starvation. It happened to me, and the ECGS bushing on the driver's side and a flush and probing with a magnet to get the pieces out resolved the issue. The pax side is a big, beefy ball bearing and more likely to survive. Have to pull CVs anyway to fix that leak, unless you really abandon that diff. I'd say that is more work, given the options, than fixing that needle bearing, should that be the case.

Losing my 4WD was not an option for me.