Well, I have an update...with more questions.
I tore that 10 bolt all the way down because 1 side was pretty much open with no locking hub or anything and a spindle rusted to hell. And of course theres the "donʻt trust it without checking it" factor.
Anyhow, before I ask these questions I do want you guys to know that I did research and attempt to find the answers on my own first. Itʻs pretty much the norm for me, especially with this vehicle since alot of this is new to me. Unfortunately, thereʻs alot of conflicting, obscure, or plain blatantly wrong info out there, so I now turn to guys who have done it.
First off...this damn stamp has me confused. I checked three references and none of them explained this hieroglyphic level crap to me. The closest I got scared me because it made me think that WJ was indicating that this was actually a D44 from a jeep. I am absolutely certain that is not the case. This housing has all the tell-tale signs of the 10 bolt from the diff cover layout, to the casting ears below it. I am at a loss what this stamp is telling me.
Secondly, Iʻve gotten my knuckles back on with new ball joints, even though the driverʻs side is having the torque spec issue I've seen in other posts and on other sites. Iʻm still fiddling with it to try to get the sleeve to set up at a proper depth. I think I'll figure that one out, but figured Iʻd mention it in case one of you fellows have a snappy cure for it. I donʻt think itʻs inferior ball joints because I replaced the MOOGʻs I mentioned earlier after seeing and reading some pretty harrowing accounts of how bad they are nowadays. Replaced them with ACDelco Pro/Gold. I torqued the top castle to a nice oggadooga just to hold the bottom from spinning, torqued the bottom to 70 lbs., then torque the adjusting sleeve to the same. The adjusting sleeve is then protruding through the bottom of the hole. Thatʻs the issue.
Thirdly, spindles. I mentioned the passenger side was shot, and it definitely is. My research has consistently shown me spindles with some variations, but all seem to fit the 10 bolt. What do I need to be checking, measuring, ensuring here? They are 6 bolt spindles. Iʻve got to at least replace the passenger side, but have been told that with spindles if you replace 1 side, do them both. Not sure if thatʻs necessary, but I do need to figure out what spindles I need in the first place.
Fourth, Iʻve made what may not be a popular decision to keep the open differential in this front axle, but change to 4.10 ratio. I did a fast wipe with cleaner and shop towels up and down the tubes. Will that be sufficient?
Anyhow I want to thank all of you that answered me earlier with help, and I apologize if some of these are rookie questions that make you roll your eyes. I AM a rookie, so Iʻm being extra cautious and taking extra time to triple and quadruple check everything before I grab the tools and start wrenching.
Iʻve attached pics of the stamp and the axles in the garage. The one in front currently being worked is the 10 bolt front thatʻs going into the truck. The one in the rear is the 14 bolt, also going in the truck, but not yet being rebuilt until the front is completed.
Again, thanks in advance and I hope everyone is having a good weekend!
Scott
