So I was at the junkyard today and there was 2 KJs there that were totaled. They both had front axles still though. I could have bought passenger and driver side axles for spares (1 set) for my kj for $130 out the door. Is this a good deal? They have a tiny bit of surface rust on them and the boots didn't have any tears or leaks from what I saw. Everything looked in good shape as far as teeth on the arms and everything too.

If I do buy these how do you swap out a kj front axle anyway. The guy at the yard said they just pop out. Is that right? He said just take a screwdriver an pry. This just doesn't seem right to me. The axles were already out of the kj in the yard so I could just pick them up and pay for them. But if I am on the trail I obviously need to know how to do this. Any info would be great, thanks everyone.

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My Jeep Build ----> Big Black

First the wheel/brake calipher needs to come off,then the clevis needs to be removed,both the upper and lower ball joints need to be seperated from the knuckle,the tie-rod end needs to be popped out,the 35mm axle nut needs to be removed,and with the knuckle completely loose you may/may not need to press the CV out of the hub bearing(rust will keep it in the bearing really good sometimes).

So basically you will need a jack,jack stand,possiblely need a puller,and a 35mm socket to go along with the standard tools to remove/install a lift on a KJ.

I apologize Troy, I know everything there except the socket size and how to actually get the CV out. So I might need a puller to get the CV out? How about getting it back in? Just a good shove? Also do these sound like a good deal? What does a new set of axles go for? Should I worry about the surface rust or should I just sand that off?

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My Jeep Build ----> Big Black

Oh sorry,yes the CV's just need a little pop from a large screwdriver to get them out,they are held in the diff by "c" clips like in the pic below(2 are pictured).


To reseat the CV just slam into place.As far as how much CV's are it depends on where you get them,remaned CV's from Advance,AutoZone,Napa,or Carquest range from $50-$300(depending on quaility ofcourse),JE Reel make HD remaned version from $350-$500 each,and brand new CV's(OEM speced) are over $1000 each.$130 for 2 used ones that are in good condition is a real good price.

SWEET!!!!! I'll have to pick them up I guess. Does anyone have a pic of what the axles look like off of the KJ? I wanna make sure I am getting everything I need if I need to replace them on the trail. Thanks Troy. I should probably just pm you, I figured you'd be the guy answering anyway.

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My Jeep Build ----> Big Black

The drivers side CV will have a 4"-5" stub shaft that comes out of the diff,the passenger side will most likely come out with the inner axle shaft.The inner axle shaft is about 16" or so ,long and can be seperated from the passenger side CV ineer cup,it's held in with the sam e"c" clip but is a royal pain to get seperated.The junk yard will most likely not know the difference so keep the inner axle shaft connected to the passenger CV shaft,just saves some time.Might just want to pick up a extra front diff while you are at it,about $300-$400 should take the whole diff,a great spare to have.

Cool, the drivers side was still in now that I think about it and the passenger side was out, and yes it still had the 16" axle shaft on it. I will hit them up on the diff too to see what it would cost me. Hopefully they give me a "bulk" discount but I doubt it.

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My Jeep Build ----> Big Black

Let me tell you,
I am a PRO at the CV axles now. I can do each side in about 1 hour. That depends if I stop for a beer.

If I keep breaking my KJ's legs, I will be able to do this in about 30 mins both sides. LOL

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2003 KJ Sport JEEPZILLA Edition
American Flag flying high
Frankenlift removed =(
Moabs and plenty of pin striping
Flexable people don't get bent out of shape!
Current MPG 6" to a gallon
L.O.S.T. # BL065211
www.ItAtYourHome.com

Since you guys are talking about it.....Is it normal to have alot of play where the Passenger axle mounts to the inner shaft? I took mine apart because it moves all over the place. I think My lift is putting alot of stress on that part...

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Feb/2006 Silver Sport 4x4 CRD

Inc.

First post in this thread http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... hp?t=33950 is how I pulled out both right and left drive shafts on the side of a mountain when one of the lads in the group Grenaded his front diff.

Hope it helps.

cmohr

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SOME SAY

I'm Toight... Toight lik a Toiger.

And

When I go to the Toilet, Chuck Norris is there to tear the squares off for me.

"Pass me another one Chuck, and keep em coming!! On sencond thoughts..Go get the hose"

Cool thanks buddy.

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My Jeep Build ----> Big Black

Farq.. That was quick Inc

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SOME SAY

I'm Toight... Toight lik a Toiger.

And

When I go to the Toilet, Chuck Norris is there to tear the squares off for me.

"Pass me another one Chuck, and keep em coming!! On sencond thoughts..Go get the hose"

I was lurking around nearby.

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My Jeep Build ----> Big Black

Is it safe to drive a 4x4 KJ without the front CV axles? I need to do that for awhile and don't want the bearings to fall apart.

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Feb/2006 Silver Sport 4x4 CRD

You'll be fine,pull the front driveshaft also and drain the diff(put rags in the holes where the CV's go to).Not recommended if you have the select trac t-case,you could damage the t-case,very okay with the command trac.