front axle help

[Ryan_1]

So my Dana 44 front end is out meaning no 4 wheel drive which is fine with studs here in Anchorage, but I sometimes need to use 4 low for better traction in the rear end. My problem is that my front end gearing is destroyed and can bind when i go into 4 low. So i either need to know if i can remove the driveshaft going to the front end or if i can remover the gearing without too much work (its 8 below during the day and i have to work outside on the truck)? Which is easiest? What do y'all recommend?

Thanks!

[basketcase0302]

Ryan,

Yes the dirveshaft is definitely easier to remove. Simply take the nuts off of the front dirveshaft U-bolts at both the front axle and up at the transfer case. This is a lot easier if you can jack the trucks front axle off the ground and hit neutral in the transfer case and spin the assembly around to you, (instead of the awkward angles the nuts are on sometimes). Ring and pinion isn't that hard to replace, a lot of guys here can walk you through that when the time comes.

[Madman]

Definately pull the driveshaft! Piece of Cake (slightly frosted in Alaska of course!)