harleyknall

Full blown mechanic here, just never had one of these apart.

I have the truck in the air on the lift, front driveshaft is spinning, front diff actuater is engaged, I have nothing to the front wheels.

I removed actuater and rammed an extension in there while spinning the wheels, got the plunger to click in ,the front wheels still spin free.


Were pretty rough on this thing, heard a pop and lost front wheel drive action. no grinding no warning, BANG nothing.

Is there something easy that sheared inside that can be acessed? Or does it have to all come down and out.


I am guessing time for a junkyard swap, I think there are at least 3 gear ratios in these....... how do I ID what I have ?

Thanks all.

frank1

Might have a busted pinion. A good way to get ID is from a tag in the glove box, it will have all you RPO codes, including the axle ratio, if still stock axles. Or call a GM Shop and ask the parts guy to give you the ratio from the vin number, or if nearby, drop in with the vin. They can do that..

harleyknall

Well, ya scared me LOL. I have it all diaged and DIDNT check for a snapped piinion, never heard of that happening.
so I just checked. nope, all good.

I have the eassanger side apart and best I can tell SOMEHOW the snap ring and 2 thrust washers that hold the axle in let go, they were all mangled in there. SOMEHOW keeping the lock ring from sliding.

It all works....... headed to a dealer to TRY and find those parts. I had ZERO luck at all finding one of the thrust washers online.
I found the snap ring and the radiatr cap shaped thrust washer, just no the round one that is held in place by the snap ring.