Swap Axles

[82chevy350]

ok on my 76 it has the type of front axle thats locked there are no manual locking hubs my front and rear end are in bad shape. i can get another front and rear end for 300 bucks new gears in front but its got the manual locking hubs.. Am i ok to put the manual axle on my truck and will it help gas milage?

 

[crazy4offroad]

Sure can, in all actuality you can put manual hubs in your current axle and save some money/time/work. But if your axles are in bad shape, and you're sure the guy who set up the new gears in the other axles got everything right, and that the gear ratio is something you can work with then I would say go for that as long as they aren't overpriced!

 

[82chevy350]

300 bucks they have 3.73 gears my gears in my axles now have alot of play

 

[crazy4offroad]

I'd say go for it but dont forget the unseen additional costs like new u-bolts, possibly new hard brake lines for the rear end and/or axle seals, you may want to consider new wheel cylinders, brake shoes, rear brake hardware, front axlejoints, front calipers and pads, tie rod ends, etc. while you're doing it (if they need any of that stuff) so it will be like all-new when you're done.

 

[89Suburban]

You will need a kit for the transfer case to be able to select 2wd without the front drive shaft spinning. I ran manual hubs on my full time '79 Burb. Ran it in 4 Hi with the front hubs unlocked just fine, never wanted to invest in the transfer case kit since I didn't keep the truck that long.

 

[bucket]

You will need a kit for the transfer case to be able to select 2wd without the front drive shaft spinning. I ran manual hubs on my full time '79 Burb. Ran it in 4 Hi with the front hubs unlocked just fine, never wanted to invest in the transfer case kit since I didn't keep the truck that long.

The kit isn't "needed", but there won't be much gain without it since everything will still be spinning up front.

 

[89Suburban]

The kit isn't "needed", but there won't be much gain without it since everything will still be spinning up front.

If you get the transfer case kit and manual hubs, nothing will be spinning up front except the front wheels.

 

[hirschdalechevy]

Just put the kit in your 203 , it's the right thing to do.

 

[82chevy350]

well i gotta do it cheap for now if the hubs are unlocked the front shaft shouldnt turn right?

 

[crazy4offroad]

The driveshaft and axleshafts in the front axle will still spin but they will be disconnected at the wheel.

 

[82chevy350]

i thought when the transfer case is in high not high lock or low lock that it just spins the rear

 

[crazy4offroad]

Plain high and low means the center diff isn't locked, so that AWD can kick in anytime it needs to. It might not spin all the time but it will still spin if it thinks the back slips.

 

[bucket]

If you unlock the front hubs, you will have to shift it into hi loc to drive the truck. Otherwise it will act like it's in neutral due to the diff in the t-case.

 

[82chevy350]

so it is full time 4wd?
so high and low means my rear axle is locked but my front will stil spin if it thinks it needs to?
and high lock and low lock fully locks both front and back
sorry this 4wd stuff is new to me

Also i lost the cap that goes on my front end where the hub is anyone know what these are called or where i can get one?

 

[82chevy350]

If you unlock the front hubs, you will have to shift it into hi loc to drive the truck. Otherwise it will act like it's in neutral due to the diff in the t-case.

But doesnt regular high mean my rear axle should turn?
sorry im confused