Driving with out cv half shafts?

My question is can a 2001 Z71 be driven with out a half shaft or without both half shafts not installed?

It can, but it puts too much strain on the wheelbearings, and they'll rapidly wear out. It can be drove like this, but i wouldn't recommend doing it long...

It can, but it puts too much strain on the wheelbearings, and they'll rapidly wear out. It can be drove like this, but i wouldn't recommend doing it long...


Not that im going to do it, but I was thinking the truck would drive just fine if you had to. Why would the bearings wear out? The shafts just kind of float in there. I dont think they have any significant radial load bearing capability, just torsional when the 4 wheel drive is engaged. I dont know I was just wondering.

I'm not positive why the wheelbearings go out, but i've experienced it on more than one occasion. Maybe someone who knows will chime in.