4x4 Question (another)

[coalkickin]

I just re-read the sticky on 4x4 problems. I am pretty sure that my hubs are blown. I can turn the drive axle and it spins and spins. Never locks in. Here is my question though, when I turn the front drive axle I can see the (u-joint?) right where it goes into the wheel turning, however when I go to the drivers side to turn the axle, I can turn it, but the thing (u-joint) right at the wheel does not turn like it does on the passenger side. Is this normal, or is there another problem? I just want to be positive before order the manual hubs. Thanks in advance for everyones input.

 

[coalkickin]

Anyone with any ideas? Should I go ahead and order the locking hubs?

 

[MrShorty]

I don't quite understand what you're doing.
"however when I go to the drivers side to turn the axle, I can turn it {what? the driver's side axleshaft?}, but the thing (u-joint) right at the wheel does not turn like it does on the passenger side" If you can turn the axleshaft, but the u-joint at the end of the axleshaft doesn't turn, then the axleshaft is broken, and it should be so obvious, that this whole question doesn't make sense. Perhaps you are turning the front driveshaft, and the passenger side axleshaft doesn't lock in, but the driver's side doesn't turn, suggesting that it may have locked in??

Regardless of what you meant, if you can turn either axleshaft more than a few turns and the auto hub doesn't lock -- that auto hub isn't working. In this case, it appears obvious that the passenger side isn't working, and, with an open diff, it doesn't matter whether the driver's side works or not. Perhaps a better description of what you are doing might help us suggest if something else is wrong.

 

[coalkickin]

Sorry for being vague..I can turn the axleshaft on the passenger side freely, it never locks AND I can see the u-joint turning as I turn the axleshaft. On the drivers side, when I turn the axleshaft, I noticed the U-joint does not turn when I rotate the shaft, nor does the axleshaft lock.

 

[knob]

several people remanufactuer auto hubs on ebay cheaply! They are easy to install

 

[DeRocha]

Sorry for being vague..I can turn the axleshaft on the passenger side freely, it never locks AND I can see the u-joint turning as I turn the axleshaft. On the drivers side, when I turn the axleshaft, I noticed the U-joint does not turn when I rotate the shaft, nor does the axleshaft lock.

The reason Mr. Shorty and I am confused is that you maybe using the wrong terminology.

The axle shafts connect the wheels to the differential, while the Driveshaft connects the Transfer case to the differential. Therefore as Mr.Shorty alluded to it would be impossible to turn the axle shaft and not have its U-joint move unless the shaft was completely and obviously broken. So in your above statement if you are rotating the axle shaft and the U-joint isn't moving the axle shaft is broken. If you are rotating the drive shaft and the driver's side axle shaft isn't rotating it indicates the driver's side HUB has locked and therefore it is connected to the wheel. Since you have open diffs the power is transmitted to the wheel with least resistance (which would be the right passenger side and source of a HUB failure).

 

[coalkickin]

OK..maybe I am using the wrong word...I am turning the axle shaft (it goes perpindicular to the drive shaft) There is a part that is shaped like a U that appears to connect to the back of the wheel...right at the wheel. On the passenger's side, I can see it spinning freely. So I know that sides hub is blown. On the drivers side, this U piece doest not turn when I spin the shaft. The truck runs great, drives nice. There is nothing that would lead me to believe that anything major could be wrong. IF the axleshaft was shot, I would think that it would be obvious when I drive it. No? I already ordered a set of MileMarker Hubs/Conversion Kit that should arrive today. I am hopeful that this will remedy the situation. I got a really good deal on the truck, and I don't want to end up sinking more into it to fix, than I payed for it. Thanks in advance for any additional input/ideas.

 

[DeRocha]

You have a blown passenger side hub. With an open differential if you rotate the front drive shaft (either direction) both left/right axles will make a few rotations before the HUBs lock and make it impossible to turn the drive shaft anymore. If an axle is still rotating it indicates the HUB @ the end of the shaft is broken causing it not to lock (which is exactly what you have described)

 

[coalkickin]

Thank you..I am having them replaced with manuals this weekend. Appreciate all the help.

 

[gsmaclean]

They may not be blown - they could simply be gummed up with grease. I was able to fix mine easily with brake cleaner and leaving to soak overnight with ATF.

 

[coalkickin]

I already went and ordered the manuals...figured now was a good time to make the switch from the autos..

 

[RedneckRambo]

im bringing this thread back to life. how do you remanufacture the hubs with parts from ebay exactly.

 

[Tony H]

Never saw E-bay, Auto Hub parts before. Got a link?

 

[RedneckRambo]

im refering to post #5

 

[Tony H]

It sounds like #5 is saying you can buy remanufactured Hubs ( complete) and then install them on your 'X'.
I never saw Hub Parts for sale.