2500 4x4 front wheel bearings

[Royal Squire]

I had pinion bearing in front diff go out and need to get truck home. Hopefully one of you smart guys can tell me if I can just pull axle shafts out and drive truck that way. Any suggestions appreciated. 

[dave110]

Unit bearing (outer bearing) would have to come off for axle shaft to be removed. You could put it back together but the tube would be open and gear oil everywhere. I guess you could stuff a rag inside. Quite a job for along side the road. I'd personally look for a tow.

 

On second thought that wouldn't even work. Need the shaft in or the unit bearing would not have a nut on and would come apart. Unless you'd dis-assemble the axle joints and just use the outer shaft for retaining purposes.

Edited April 10, 2020 by dave110

[Royal Squire]

Not really alongside road. Actually took axle shafts out at home and then drove to town and one of unit bearings came apart. Should I have taken axle joint out and put outer shafts back in to hold bearings together? Was hoping to rebuild diff later on but still be able to drive truck if needed. 

[dave110]

2 minutes ago, Royal Squire said:

Not really alongside road. Actually took axle shafts out at home and then drove to town and one of unit bearings came apart. Should I have taken axle joint out and put outer shafts back in to hold bearings together? Was hoping to rebuild diff later on but still be able to drive truck if needed. 

You replied while I was editing LOL. See above.

[Royal Squire]

Didn’t want to take axle shafts apart as u-joints are still in great shape but I guess sometimes......

[Dieselfuture]

That just sucks, sorry.