Front End Drive Shaft

[Srickers]

I have a 98 AWD Explorer and while driving it makes a loud roar and a grinding metal sound while slowing down. I took it to the dealer who is a trusted friend. He removed the transfer case and front end drive shaft, it still drives on a rear-wheel drive basis and drives fine with no noise. What I'm concerned about is long term effects of not having the front end drive shaft. Can anyone tell me if this is a really bad idea and is only going to lead to more problems later down the road, or should I be fine with it this way?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Yes. You will fry the transfer case as it now thinks the front diff is slipping and is trying to transfer more power to the front.

Also with out the front d-shaft it will roll if parked on any incline. You must use your parking brake.

A remanufactured shaft from any parts store will run you $220. I would check the parts for sale forum for a used one.

 

[IZwack]

it still drives on a rear-wheel drive basis and drives fine with no noise. What I'm concerned about is long term effects of not having the front end drive shaft. Can anyone tell me if this is a really bad idea and is only going to lead to more problems later down the road, or should I be fine with it this way?[

Not having a front-driveshaft is fine, there are no ill-effect of not having a front driveshaft other than not being able to go into 4wd.

Yes. You will fry the transfer case as it now thinks the front diff is slipping and is trying to transfer more power to the front.

The transfer case will not "fry" as there is no torque to counteract the 4wd mechanism.

Also with out the front d-shaft it will roll if parked on any incline. You must use your parking brake.

I dont think so. The rear driveshaft is still physically connected to the transfer case so with the transmission in [P]ark, the vehicle will not move even w/o a front driveshaft.



EDIT: i take my word back I finally realized that this in AWD transfer case. So yes, Dan Whitaker is correct. Removing the front driveshaft will allow the vehicle to slowly creep forward in Park.

 

[Stic-o]

I have one off my '99 but it wasn't AWD drive. Just 4wd, I think it may be a different length. Measure yours, and if it fits hows $50 buck plus shipping

 

[gijoecam]

Also thought I'd add... although the dealer may be a trusted friend, there's no way he removed the transfer case. Sure, he likely removed the driveshaft, but without the transfer case, there would be nothing to connect the rear driveshaft to.

And I'll third what Dan said. It's not a good idea to drive it like that for long as it will put excessive wear on the transfer case internals. Get the front driveshaft rebuilt ASAP.

-Joe

 

[edhowell]

Along these same lines. What is everyones thought about removing the rear shaft and driving only on the front. Is it possible and will it hurt something? I need to tow mine, it's a 96 4wd, with my motor home about 500 miles and then drive it for a week around town and then tow it back home. Wouild like to not have to get under and put the shaft back in if don't have to for the week. If it matters I have a 91 4wd I could use instead.