I'm having some problems with my 80. Most of the time, it won't start, the battery seems drained, the starter turns really slowly, and eventually stops. This even happens after it has been running for an hour or so. I cleaned the battery terminals, and everything is connected. It starts right up when I connect a jumper box. I'm assuming this is a bad alternator, but it may be something else. Also, about half the time when I start it with the jumper, it won't hold an idle. It runs if I put my foot on the gas, but dies as soon as I let up. It eventually will hold an idle after a few minutes of revving, but this is really a pain. Any suggestions?

I also noticed a big oil puddle coming from the left front part of the axle housing, looks like its time for an axle rebuild. Is there a place online with a step by step guide for that?

Thanks!

Check your voltage with the truck running. Should be 13.8-14.4v. Then check the voltage of the battery before and during starting. Should be 12.3-13.2v. During starting, it should not drop below 10v.

Axle rebuild

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/AxleRebuild.shtml


Marlin Crawler has some new and improved axle seals. Definetly a good idea

http://www.marlincrawler.com/htm/axles.htm

Not sure on the idle deal. Maybe the choke is out of adjustment?