driving without front half shafts

[Wrench_87]

Alright guys, got a quick question for anyone with experience with the newer style (2002 4wd) unit bearings. im working on getting all the parts togethor for a SAS and on tuesday my passenger side cv joint ate $h!t . The unit bearings were replaced about 6000 miles ago. Is it safe to drive the truck with the front half shafts removed (yes i know it will make it 2wd). if so should i seperate the cv's and at least put the stub shaft through the bearing? or are these full floater assemblies that can be used without the stub shaft? got a 100 mile round trip to work and back every day and not really looking to walk it at 430 in the morning . thanks for the help guys.

 

[Wrench_87]

also i realize that ill have to make a plug/seal for the diff

 

[martin]

You need something to hold the unit bearing together or they will separate, so if you remove the stub from the shaft and use that it will be fine. As you mention you will need to plug the diff holes. You could use the other end of the shaft to plug the hole.

 

[Wrench_87]

gotcha, kinda what i was figuring but wanted a second opinion. wish they would have just stuck with the old school bearings... so much cheaper and more reliable than this new shit they keep coming up with. good for the average joe, but good luck findin a spare unit bearing on the trail...