can I drive without the front drive shaft?

want to replace the u joints on my truck, truck is a like an old jalopy at the present.

I've never replaced u joints before so I want to start with the front driveshaft so at least I can drive the truck without it being in 4wd.

Then I thought, what's at the front diff input and transfer case output after I pull the DS? I'm assuming I don't want those parts exposed too long to the winter elements?

Is driving without a drive shaft only recommend to diagnose issue? Or can I realistically drive for a while without a drive shaft?

Oh and how much would it be to pay a shop to replace a u joint?

 

i wouldn't do it cause im pretty sure you'll piss all you t-case fluid out the open out put shaft. i would just leave it and get some new ones on the way and change em out in one day.

 

so that's my other ques... does fluid come out of the diff and transf case after I pull the DS?

 

not necessarily tacos, but ive known people that drove without the front drive shaft. . . the only problem i believe where that would happen would be on an AWD vehicle like the jeep GC's for instance (had one and found out!) . . . but yeah just keep in regular ole high gear 2WD and it should be fine.

 

Yep. There are 4 bolts/nuts on each side of the DS. I removed mine (both front and rear) when I dropped the transmission to change the clutch. Just make sure you bolt it back on in the right orientation (I think it's not totally symmetrical).

 

Pre-Runners do it all the time

 

You'll be fine.

 

make sure u dont put it in 4wd!! other wise u should be good

 

It's fine you won't lose any fluid and you can put it in 4wd if you want too.

 

^ this. You can put it in 4WD, but obviously it's not going to work. There are no seals on the drive shafts so you will not lose fluids from either the diff or the t-case.

 

Why would the case or pinion side leak if you took the driveshaft out?
Lolz.

That'd be weird if it was designed like that.