Front diff is loose

[general's servant]

I finally got around to looking for my ty's drivetrain vibration,I think I've found it.On the drivers side the axle flange coming off the diff is really loose.I have been looking at old threads and my quess is the clip fell off and bearing is loose in the housing. So is my diff toast or is it repairable?What do I look for from a salvage yard to get it back together? Is making the diff selectable (like a 4x4) still a good idea?How do you make it strong enough? What would u do?

 

[NecroWolf]

Re: Front diff is loose

passenger side axle tube is what make it selectable/awd

 

[SCWolverine]

Re: Front diff is loose

There's a chance the clip is on there, and just rounded (especially if the axle has been removed/replaced and a new clip wasn't used). DS axle can be done w/o dropping the diff (from the outside with the upper arm disconnected @ frame...) I would do this to confirm/rule out that as your problem as dropping the diff can be a real pita (or head if it comes out too easy). If you do pull it this way, and the clip is still there, replace the axle seal when you reinstall it with the new clip. Clip is GM P/N 14041989.

About the 4x4 tube:

http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=39567&highlight=front+diff+clip

 

[general's servant]

Re: Front diff is loose

Could the clip cause it to be that loose. I only considered the 4x4 route because of finding usable parts from the junkyard would be easier that way.My Ty is a DD and needs to be somewhat reliable and thought the benafit of driving in 2wd will have a increase in gas mileage.If the clip is all it is then I could be driving again in a day or two.That's the easiest fix I would have ever done to this ty:lol:

 

[Big Mike]

Re: Front diff is loose

Could the clip cause it to be that loose. I only considered the 4x4 route because of finding usable parts from the junkyard would be easier that way.My Ty is a DD and needs to be somewhat reliable and thought the benafit of driving in 2wd will have a increase in gas mileage.If the clip is all it is then I could be driving again in a day or two.That's the easiest fix I would have ever done to this ty:lol:

I do not think you will be getting any better gas mileage with the 4x4 set up because your dragging the axles instead of driving them plus the weight of all the parts are still there.