CV axle coming out of differential

Is my differential messed up? Still drives fine in 2wheel drive but traction control light stays on. I'm a newbie here and could use some knowledge.

 

Looks like an aftermarket axle. Get an oem one in there, that ones too short.

 

And 2, it looks like the retaining band is gone from the boot. Your diff should be fine, just do what @6 gearT444E said and replace with the appropriate axle and then replace the gear oil in your front diff. Make sure you follow the DIY thread that's pinned in the top of the list. Easy peasy.

-J

 

Yep need new axles NOW. Lol

 

Might as well do the seal and ECGS bushing while you are at it.
The way the axle is in there now, I’d say it chewed on the needle bearing and the seal a little.

 

Also is this alot if rust for a 2013?

 

In my opinion, yes. It is a lot.
But I live in the south where we don’t see a lot of rust.

I’d check the frame next to the cat on the drivers side.
That’s where it likes to eat through the frame first.

 

Looks good on the outside. Lol!

 

Rust is kind of relative to where the vehicle lives and how it's been taken care of (salted roads in the winter, undercoating, cleaning, etc), here in south Texas that would be considered super rusty, where road salt is a thing probably pretty normal.

 

You might also address this area.
Soak it will a penetrating oil. Because once it get stiff, it makes steering the truck “harder”.

 

Your front diff is low on fluid, axle is hanging out. I would NOT drive it until you get a new axle in there and drain/fill front diff.

 

I really appreciate all the advice. Thanks!

 

yah I noticed that too. Im thinking when the axle was seated the cv tulip/shaft assembly was pulling real hard on the housing part with the splines that snaps into the differential causing the boot to get stretched. A hard bump and the extra droop caused the axle to pull hard enough where snap ring let loose and the axle to pull out of the differential.

 

If that were an original axle it might indicate a real problem. Assuming it’s been replaced then maybe it wasn’t inserted far enough to lock in. I once had one come new out of a Napa box, too short to properly fit, though it was the right part number.

 

the oem axle will have small notches on the housing that is used to pop it in and out. This one lacks those notches so that tells me it’s aftermarket. Those cheapo chinese axles are hit or miss.

 

Pull the axle, does it even have a snap ring on it?

 

I'll try that...I'm going to assume if it doesn't it would pull out of the diff?

 

...and yeah, if it isn't too late, clean up that frame, or you will have bigger issues than the CV....

 

I'm surprised no one mentioned this. That axle has been out for a while plus look at the pitting when it rides on the needle bearing. I would not drive this truck until you get this fixed. Your diff may be shot.

 

Yeah my thoughts exactly.. That thing has been F*ed up for a while. You can see where the CV has been riding on something other than the needle bearing, maybe the cam bolt? Front diff needs to be flushed a few times, new OEM CV axle, and needle bearing replaced (with ECGS) at a minimum IMO.

And the whole truck needs to be undercoated with Fluid Film or similar asap haha