2WD - Half-shafts removed

[SilverBullet75]

So I just replaced my CV boots about 3 months ago and they ripped again. The other day I was on surface streets and the VX starts making a thump thump sound from the left front axle area. I limped it for about 10 miles, then it just stopped... Drove fine afterward. So I decided I need to make it safe until I decide to either diff drop or body lift. I pulled the half shafts out (2hr job).
I hate to say it but I love how it drives as a 2WD! I'm sure it would feel good too if the axles were level, but honestly I haven't done much off-roading in the last couple years. It's my daily highway transport right now.

So, question for those who have done this:
What did you do to cover the inner hub/wheel bearing area? Right now it's totally exposed to the elements.
Thanks,
Jim

[VXorado]

I hate to say it but I love how it drives as a 2WD! I'm sure it would feel good too if the axles were level, but honestly I haven't done much off-roading in the last couple years. It's my daily highway transport right now.

I have to agree with you on the 2wd driving, I prefer it on dry road conditions over TOD. I think you should just fix the CV boots and reinstall the half shafts with manual hubs + the TOD off switch mod. The boots should last if you have the TOD off switch & then you'll really be 2wd rather than losing constant power to the front axle.

[Triathlete]

x2 on manual hubs! I love mine.

[SilverBullet75]

I have to agree with you on the 2wd driving, I prefer it on dry road conditions over TOD. I think you should just fix the CV boots and reinstall the half shafts with manual hubs + the TOD off switch mod. The boots should last if you have the TOD off switch & then you'll really be 2wd rather than losing constant power to the front axle.

So with these mods, the axles will not rotate, but the hubs/rotors will?
(not sure how they work... sorry for the ignorance)

[Ldub]

I drove around for a few weeks this summer w/ no front axle or 1/2 shafts.

Had the same concerns with grease/bearing contamination.

I used an inside caliper to measure the diameter of the area where a temp cover would reside, then used a compass (circle drawing thingy) to mark the proper size disc on a plastic coffee can lid. (I prefer Folgers...Black Silk)

Then cut said disks, & pushed them into place from the back side.

They held up just fine, with no sign of distortion from heat....

[SilverBullet75]

Thanks Dub!
That's a great idea.

I'll also look into the manual hub + TOD switch mod.

Thanks all!

[atilla_the_fun]

Which manual hubs are compatible with our CVs? Any that are on ebay from the early trooper or rodeo?

[Triathlete]

Asins for 17 spline shafts from Troopers work great (what I have). Superwinch also makes them. If you watch the classifieds over on the Planet you can find them from time to time for $80 or less. Or you can scoure your local u-pull its.

[JoFotoz]

A cheap alternative figured out at Moab last time...to get me home!!

Disconnect the TOD computer under passenger seat,
and remove the spline locking discs from the end of the hubs.

Source two cheap sponges to use as gasket material to replace disc thickness...tighten down with the dust caps.
Sponges can be trimmed for 'looks'!
.
.


.
.
This stops all drive to front shaft/axle etc.

I've been running like that since May..no issues.


jo

[Ldub]

I've been running like that since May..no issues.


jo

And proven beyond the shadow of a doubt, that the VX is in fact...Sponge Worthy...

[VXjunky]

now "THAT" was funny....kinky but funny

[VXorado]

So with these mods, the axles will not rotate, but the hubs/rotors will?
(not sure how they work... sorry for the ignorance)

Correct, the manual hubs allow the wheels to free spin from the axles and the TOD off switch stops the transfer case from sending power to the front axle.

[SilverBullet75]

Cool. Makes sence now. I'll have to look into it.
Thanks!

So, JoFotoz, your hub sponge trick just mimics the manual hub, correct?

[tom4bren]

So, JoFotoz, your hub sponge trick just mimics the manual hub, correct?

For the unlock position ... yes

But - you'll lose the clip ring that holds the splined shaft in place. If you've taken out the half shafts, I wouldn't do that. The splined shaft that goes through the hub will have NOTHING holding it in place and will go flying down the road at some point.

[JoFotoz]

Yup...

So, JoFotoz, your hub sponge trick just mimics the manual hub, correct?

...and disconnecting the TOD plug mimics the TOD off switch.

Its was a " stoop fix".. to stop front diff turning ..
... ie:- no shaft drive input from transfer case, and no half shaft rotation front wheel turning input..
....... in order to to get me home from Moab after I chewed up the front diff !!

I will be getting Hubs and a TOD off switch...one day!

jo