problems in front dif of 4x4

[streetdreams420]

well the other day my 4 wheel drive stops working, I took it home and checked it out, thinking it's a vacum line or something fallin off, but when I check her out, I realize that the the drivers side shaft in the dif where the front cv shafts would bolt up to, has come out like an inch and I can see a bit of the spline shaft, so took the tire off and just tryed to slip the shaft back in the dif, a little work but was able to get it back in, but now I can grab ahold of the cv shaft and rock it back and forth in the diff like a half inch. took her for a cruise and the 4x4 was working, but when i went to turn around there was this banging noise in the front and now when i drive in either 4wheel or 2 wheel it is grinding and nocking real bad in the front, almost feels like my drivers side tire is going to lock up, is my front dif just screwed?

[ricksza]

The axle shafts are held in by "C" clips. It's possible that the clip broke allowing it to slide out. When it slide out, there is a small thrust washer inside the axle tube on the end of the shaft. This drops down out of place when the axle slides out and will keep the front axle from fully engaging.

[streetdreams420]

now is this fixable? or am I just better off getting another differential

[ricksza]

Not a big problem, but the axle with the tube would have to be taken out. Replace the broken clip and crushed thrush washer. If you could replace the differental, this is a lot easier and cheaper. If you need detailed directions, let me know.

[streetdreams420]

thanks for the help bro, well I can get ahold of a front dif for 120 canadian, so that would probley be my best bet, okay when droping the front diff, what is my best way to pull it out of there?

[ricksza]

I hope you have a lift to work under.

Make sure it's the correct gear ratio. Disconnect the diff cable from the servo under the battery. Drain the diff fluid. Unbolt the cable housing off the right side axle tube. Unplug the axle indicator switch on the tube. Disconnect the vent tube on top of the diff. Unbolt the front drive shaft. Unbolt both sides axle shafts. Remove right side brake caliper and rotor. Break the right upper ball joint loose from the steering knuckle so it will tilt out. Now you have room to remove the axle tube. Here's where the thrust washer falls out. It will give you extra room if you remove the relay rod (also called center link). Remove last two mounting bolts (the upper one has the 18mm nut inside the frame, I usually just stick a crowsfoot on it) and remove diff. You will have to rotate it down to clear the lower mount.

[streetdreams420]

perfect thanks again bro, one more question how can i find out the gear ratio? it's a 92 blazer with the 4.3

[ricksza]

These should help
Check your option label:
GT4 = Rear Axle: 3.73 Ratio
GT5 = 4.10
GU4 = 3.08
GU6 = 3.42

[streetdreams420]

where would I find this option label?

[ricksza]

Depending the the year, they are in different places. Most are in the glove box.

[streetdreams420]

I'll have to go check it out in a minute, once again bro thanks alot,
would have been lost without ya.

[streetdreams420]

okay on my parts list label, it says gu6. what do majority of 1st gen blazers have in them?

[streetdreams420]

is there a way on the dif that I can tell what the gear ratio is, so when I go to pick up the new one I can make sure that the guy gives my the right one?

[ricksza]

If you're going to a salvage yard, they should have enough experience to know. If not, that can sometimes be tough because you will have to keep the right side shaft engaged. Block one axle shaft to keep it from turning. Mark the other axle shaft and also the pinion flange with a crayon or marker. Now turn the axle shaft one complete revolution while counting the number of turns of the pinion. The number of turns gives you the ratio. For instance if the pinion turns 3 times it's probable 3.08, if it turn 3 1/2 times it's probable 3.42. The only positive way is to count the teeth on the ring and pinion gears and divide.

[streetdreams420]

well they said they have a gu6, but just to be sure I will try the way you said when I get the new dif in the blazer, just to make sure before installing the driveshaft.