Broken driver side TTB D28

[CaseyVR6]

So, we got a little snow a few days ago but nothing crazy (6") so I'm still out cutting firewood. Turning onto dry pavement from the snow-covered log road I hear the moan of a universal joint followed by a loud pop. I just rebuilt the front end, universals included, this past summer so I was surprised to find that the joint had somehow bound up and broke the ears off the driver's side shaft. I do not have a locker up front, so I'm a bit confused as to how the thing bound up so tight to break. Any insight?

On another note, anyone have the driver's side of a D28 they're looking to unload cheap?

 

[4x4junkie]

You running oversize tires at all?

Though I would say the fact you drove on dry pavement in 4WD is what did it in (and it sounds like you were loaded up with wood too), the D28 really is a pathetically small axle and doesn't take much to break it. I would probably recommend switching to a later D35 axle rather than putting any more time into the D28. The D35 is a simple bolt-in swap aside from having to shorten the front driveshaft 1 inch.

The D35's u-joints are MUCH larger than the D28's (same size joints an F-150 uses).

 

[CaseyVR6]

That is the plan, but after spending more than I should have on gifts this season and losing my job 2 days after christmas I'm not even sure I can afford a simple salvage axle half. I had a feeling that the dry road was what put it over the edge, but seemed unlikely since it's only the OE diff and truly only on the road for 4 or 5 feet before it broke. Not pulling up-hill or anything crazy, either. Murphy gets another point, I guess.

 

[fyre82]

I use my '88 for the same jobs. My passenger side went south on me still back off the road with a load one day. No choice but to run it the 1/4 mile to hard ground, consequently, it ate it's self. I checked and it appeared that those were original joints that finally went out after 200K.

I may have a driver shaft, I'll have to look. If you find one closer go for it as it may be a couple of days before I can motate out to check.

Good luck

Rich

 

[disciplerocks]

Had something similar happen to me. And I promptly acquired a D35 to replace it the saem day.

 

[CaseyVR6]

That's the plan, but spent too much on christmas this year and lost my job the day after. Was hoping to cut firewood to help get through the winter but then this happened. I guess I needed a reminder of Murphy's Law...

 

[disciplerocks]

At least its still drivable, just no 4wd.

 

[pangborn83]

It would be a couple weeks but I will have one you could have for the cost of shipping, if you are still in need at that point

 

[dangerranger83]

I hav a D28 sitting in my driveway going to the JY, bad news is all the u-joints are shot, there the original 27 year old ones.

Instead of putting anymore money into it, get a D35, its th simplest front end upgrade to get.

Sorry to hear about the job loss, doesnt sound like a good way to start off the new year, hope you find another one soon.

 

[CaseyVR6]

I hav a D28 sitting in my driveway going to the JY, bad news is all the u-joints are shot, there the original 27 year old ones.

As soon as I have the capital I'm going to put in the D35 front end, even have a few local yards on standby if they get one in decent shape. In the meantime...
I just rebuilt the whole front end of this one, so I'd press out the new joint I just installed. How much would you want for it?

Do you still have the 2.8 in your ranger? If so I can trade you a pair of edlebrock headers for that shaft.

 

[disciplerocks]

Hell I'd go pull a shaft for you if those headers were for something I have

 

[CaseyVR6]

Hell I'd go pull a shaft for you if those headers were for something I have

Happen to have a D35 front?

 

[CaseyVR6]

c'mon... all the salvage yards are frozen solid, anyone have a driver's side d28?

 

[dangerranger83]

Ya ill do that deal, ill pm you.