Question about CV axle mod

[thegrizz]

My driver's side cv is done. Unfortunately I'm flat broke. I saw the thread on how to swap out the axle and saw that I can get away with cutting it so that it isn't attached to the differential but still holds the brake assembly together. The truck is a '99 Mountaineer 4.0 AWD. My questions are, where do I need to cut? What precautions do I need to take? Can I cut while everything is still bolted together? How does the end that goes in the differential stay after it's been cut, will the pressure fit be enough? Any help is greatly appreciated. Oh, if someone can take this pic and show me where I need to cut, that would be even better:

 

[Trolling]

subscribing..

i was wondering the same thing. I couldn't use the front driveshaft due to vibrations after my 4406 swap.

 

[techieman33]

Step 1 is to cut the rubber boots off, that will let you really see what you need to remove. You can just cut the shaft off at that point leaving the bearings and such in there (quick and dirty on the trail. Or take it a step further and remove all of the bearing parts. I don't remember how the differential side came apart, but I think it was pretty easy to do. On the hub side I had to cut a couple of the retainers that hold the ball bearings in place, from there I could knock the retaining ring far enough down into the cup to dig the rest of the balls out.

When you put the stub back into the hub you just torque it back down like you would if you were putting a new cv axle in. And the one in the diff should just pop in like normal, the clip inside the diff should hold it in place.

 

[thegrizz]

Thanks dude.

Any other input? I'm planning on doing it with a Dremel and a cut off wheel, should I use something else? Sorry about all the questions, but like I said, I really can't afford to screw something up.

 

[Turdle]

You do not need to cut a thing

Follow these instructions to remove the rubber boot, and then just dis assemble the cv joint.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243651&highlight=cv+boot

 

[Trolling]

saw the thread you posted..

so basically after disassembling the CV, you just use the 2 "cup" ends and disregard the roller assembly, middle shaft and the 2 boots?

 

[techieman33]

saw the thread you posted..

so basically after disassembling the CV, you just use the 2 "cup" ends and disregard the roller assembly, middle shaft and the 2 boots?

yes

 

[thegrizz]

Can you do that while it's still installed?

 

[Trolling]

Can you do that while it's still installed?

Nope.

 

[Trolling]

Just a thought;

Could I run with one cv axle modded and the other side intact? would that still turn the front diff or would it be enough to eliminate mechanical drag in the front?

reason is that I currently have 1 spare cv axle.