Running on without front axles

[se7en]

I have a 2000 ranger 4x4, the front axles are always spinning. I had a bearing go out, so I need to remove the front diff to replace the bearing. This is my only vehicle and I need to know if I can drive without the front axles in and just have the wheel bearings there?

do the axles offer any kind of support for the bearings? or are they just there for the 4x4 system....

 

[martin]

The unit bearings preload is maintained by the axle stubs so you need something to keep the bearings together. I suppose you could use a large bolt with a locknut or remove the outer stub from the shaft and use that. ttb axles do not have this issue.