Driving with out cv half shafts?

[Lbrown]

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

[corning_d3]

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...

[Lbrown]

Originally Posted by corning_d3

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.

[corning_d3]

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.