I went to the dealership to have the snap rings put on. They told me they couldnt do it and both CV Half Shafts need to be replaced costing around $1300. Does it really look that bad? Im kinda clueless <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Yes, the grooves are long gone. You need to replace the shafts. You *might* get away with some spacers and a bolt in the end, but that is not the correct way to do it. But, I have seen it.

As far as the price, it is pretty good for a DEALER who will charge you for labor plus two NEW shafts. It might be a good idea to go somewhere else or do it yourself. If you do it yourself with two reman'd shafts, you could probably do it for around $200 total.

If you are going to go to the dealer, heck, bring it over and I'll do it for only $1250. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Good Luck,
Michael

ah, Okay.. Ouch. I dont feel like that would be something I could do my self. From what I have read searching through the board this is a quite a bear of a project as someone on here put it.

Id rather not go to the dealership but I dont know any good mechanics around here. I've been having some pretty bad luck just picking a near by random mechanic.

When you say I might be able to get away with a bolt and some spacers. What excatly would I do? And why would it only "might" work?

Thanks for the info. You guys are great, im always reading through here trying to learn as much as possible about my trooper <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

You can do it your self! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Its just a little time consuming. If you want to try it youÆre self and need some help, give me a call. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> I have my cell phones on all the time and its no problem. IÆll send you a pm with my numbers. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

You can save a lot of labor by replacing just the CV joints and outer axle, leaving the inner axles in place. There are instructions if you do a search. However, I found that they only sell the entire axle even though I was planning to replace only the CV's.

The job is not too bad if you have some mechanical experience. But you do have to very careful that the replacement CV's are exactly the same as the ones in the car. Apparently, there are several different types and some places will give you whatever they have on the shelf. If you replace the entire axle it doesn't matter but if you're just doing the CV's they have to match up to the axles in the car.

It's not too hard to replace the CV's. You can probably do it in a weekend. With the cash you save you can replace the A frame bushings and the ball joints at the same time. If the axle groves are gone your bushings and ball joints are probably bad too.

Good luck, Jim

Thanks for the info and offer to help. I may take you up on that but it might be a while. I need to fix the breaks on my other car before I get started on this. And I will probably have to buy some tools. I have a feeling my cheap-o little set isnÆt going to cut it.

As far as putting spacers in until I can really fix it, what should I use as spacers? Is this a dumb question?


As far as swapping out only the outer axles, would I just have to take one out, go to a junk yard and start searching for a match? Or could I actually order some and know that they will match my original?

Thanks again.

-edited to fix dumb typing mistakes <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

As far as knowing what axles you have, it is almost impossible to know. Even if you pop them apart, you will know if you do or do not have the tripod joint. As far as larger/smaller CV issue, it is not an easy thing to do unless the parts are side by side. Outside of the original Isuzu shafts, there are all kinds of joints and shafts (like the tripod joint) that are used by rebuilders.

If you do get new (or reman'd) shafts, then I suggest you replace them as units. Save the old ones and re-boot them if you need spares for wheeling, or see if you can pawn them off on someone looking for the same.

In order to use the threaded hole in the end of the shaft, you need a bolt that is the correct pitch and size. You also need a washer that is big enough to go over the end of the axle and rest on the center splined part of the hub. The bolt needs to be tightened until it just sucks in the shaft and it seals against the back of the knuckle. It is a hit and miss, trail and error kind of thing. Once you get it, something like Locktite would be a good idea as the bolt will not be under a constant torque load and could back out.

Good Luck,
Michael