Loose Axle Tube...

[DesertSpive]

On my front axle, the tube coming from the passenger side is now loose and leaking. I have no idea how this happened and from the information I have gathered, is that the tube is a press-fit style with no or little bonding. Once it pops out, it will not re-press. Does anyone know if it would be possible to weld the tube t the housing, or if a whole new housing is in order. Ihaven't been able to enjoy off-roading for months now.

--Sean

 

[SWLathrop]

Is it not still under the 3yr/36,000 mile warranty?

 

[MrShorty]

What kind of axle do you have?

 

[Doug]

I would imagine the front axle tube is press fit but I'd have to look @ mine to be sure. I think you'd have a hard time welding it since the axle housing is aluminum.

 

[DesertSpive]

http://www.offroadrangers.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11443

Here is the latest...

--Sean

 

[hvac man]

Well this is not quite what you are looking for but did you know that there is a recall on the rear 8.8 FX4 that year? I know because I got one that was a recall. What happens is the axle tube seperates from the housing and you get the same problem that you have. I just welded the thing in place. You might ask your dealer about a recall on the front and if they say no mention the rear, maybe that will jog there memory. Hopes this helps in some strange way.

Clint

 

[Rick]

Aluminum to aluminum can be TIG welded. If you have it done make sure you go to a pro.

Another option would be to remove the tube, have the tube knurled and then re-pressed into the housing and sealed with silicone. Knurling effectively increases the diameter of the tube allowing it to fit tight in the housing again.

 

[DesertSpive]

Originally posted by hvac man
Well this is not quite what you are looking for but did you know that there is a recall on the rear 8.8 FX4 that year? I know because I got one that was a recall. What happens is the axle tube seperates from the housing and you get the same problem that you have. I just welded the thing in place.

My truck was one of the first to have that recall. It only affected the first 800 or so manual trucks and it doesn't have anything to do with the tubes, but rather the Torsen unit grenading the diff due to a bad casting.

Thanks Rick, Dave at RCD is going to weld up the new housing on the inside and out for me. He is a welding pro. They are also making an optional front diff brace for the kit. I love being a pioneer.

Know anyone with a spare housing lying around for cheap?

--Sean

 

[Doug]

ive got an ifs front diff in my garage if you want it, it has 3.27 gears though.

 

[DesertSpive]

Originally posted by Namitey
ive got an ifs front diff in my garage if you want it, it has 3.27 gears though.

Thanks for the offer. Gears don't matter since I am just having my housing internals transferred over. But, just the same, I found a couple housing closer to home. Thanks, though!

Now that I am thinking about it, I am almost tihnking about regearing to 4.56s while they are in there...again. Damn money...

--Sean

 

[DesertSpive]

Well I am now the proud owner of Jefe's tried and proven front housing. We are going to weld it up, add a brace and transfer my internals over to it. While I am at it, I am going to go ahead and do 4.56s. Hopefully this is the last time I have the diff apart...

--Sean

 

[Rick]

Well.. last time before you do the SAS

 

[DesertSpive]

Originally posted by Rick
Well.. last time before you do the SAS

There may be some truth to that! But SAS is at least a couple years off if I do it. I am going to be watching Jeff's transformation, because he is has the daily driver thing in mind, and that is how I would do it.

--Sean