Front Axle Removal

['JustDreamin']

Hey Guys....

Sadly, I'm afraid that I've got to pull the oilpan off of my LSx v8 conversion (it is RUNNING), because I've got an oil leak. I'm pretty sure its a fabrication problem, which is a bummer since I'm the fabricator.

Anyway, the front axle either has to come out or get dropped a couple inches so I can get the pan out.
1.) How big a job is that?
2.) Is it possible to just drop it a few inches, or is my only choice to yank it out completely.
3.) I know there is a guide on this, I'll search for it. But, since I'm not removing the parts for service, is there anything I can leave in that I wouldn't otherwise?

Thanks in advance.

'JustDreamin'

 

[nallj92]

Re: Front Axle Removal

just pull it, just 4 mounting bolts, axle bolts and bending the bottom mount around to clear the pinion. kind of a bitch to do, gotta be patient tho,
i had to cut a wrench to fit into the frame for the top dirvers side mount bolt, use a 18?mm boxed end, thats the only one that will fit is the boxed end. rest is pretty self explanatory
good luck

 

['JustDreamin']

Re: Front Axle Removal

Gotta love those GM Engineers....I'd be willing to bet they've never worked on the front suspension of a S10.

I guess I need to bend the mount that is below the pinion a bit more, because I can't get the freakin' diff out. I'm thinking seriously about using my cut-off wheel and fabricating a replacement part that bolts to the frame, so that the next time I do this (I'm pretty sure I'll be swapping gearsets from 3.73's to 3.42's) at least I don't have to fight that.

BTW, my '99 Bravada is a much bigger pain in the a$$ than the 1st gen models. The CV shafts aren't flanged at the diff, so you've got to pull the ball joints & spindle / knuckle out in order to pull the CV shaft out. So right now, the entire front suspension is apart. Have thought seriously about putting new ball joints in, but I think I'll save that for a later date (have other things I want to do at that time). Think I'll work on making brackets to mount the C5 vette brakes (to the 2nd gen spindles) while the knuckles are out.

End Rant....

'JustDreamin'


BTW, the GM manual actually had a useful piece of information. In order to lock up the front wheel in order to get the big honkin 36mm nut off of the CV shaft, they suggested putting a drift punch through the caliper and into one of the vent spaces in the rotor. I tried it, works great, but does require the caliper and rotor being in place. And I'm not sure if the 1st gen brakes have a hole in it that you could put a drift through (whereas my 2nd Gen has 2 slots in the dual piston calipers).

 

[Joey Allen]

Re: Front Axle Removal

I've done that with my Ty only not with a drift punch..................used a big screwdriver.

 

[Lee]

Re: Front Axle Removal

Gotta love those GM Engineers....I'd be willing to bet they've never worked on the front suspension of a S10.

I guess I need to bend the mount that is below the pinion a bit more, because I can't get the freakin' diff out. I'm thinking seriously about using my cut-off wheel and fabricating a replacement part that bolts to the frame, so that the next time I do this (I'm pretty sure I'll be swapping gearsets from 3.73's to 3.42's) at least I don't have to fight that.

i too have thought about making a bolt-on bracket.
first one i ever removed, i bent the bracket to get the diff out ... never did get it to line up again. now i just cut through the weld with a rotary tool. then re-weld it when done... just be sure to clean all the wax coating off the the area before welding, or it will interfere with getting a good weld.

its a real shame they stopped using the bolt up hub on the CV axles, i guess they could save a buck or two by switching to conventional axles.... :tdown: