Can I run my '95 AWD without the front drive shaft?

THIS FORUM IS FOR ANY QUESTIONS ON THE 7.25" IFS FRONT DIFF, CV HALF SHAFTS AND FRONT DRIVE SHAFT.
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MobileCustoms
I am smitten with my van
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Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:57 pm

Can I run my '95 AWD without the front drive shaft?

Post by MobileCustoms »

Hey Everyone, I am pretty sure I have a bad cv joint up front and am wondering if I can remove the front drive shaft and drive it that way for a while until I can properly diagnose and fix/ replace the half shafts.

I have done a bunch of searching this forum and others but am still not sure how this applies specifically to my '95.

It just started clunking up front and it sure feels like that is the problem. I can see that the inner axle shaft boot on the passenger side has a tear in it so I am suspecting it's time to at least replace all the boots and repack with grease.

Any advice is much appreciated!
1995 Astro AWD
174,000 miles and counting
Mobile Customs - Vehicle Wraps, Signs & Graphics
http://www.MobileCustoms.com
Facebook Page:http://www.Facebook.com/MobileCustoms

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
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Location: New Haven, NY

Re: Can I run my '95 AWD without the front drive shaft?

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

You can drive without the front drive shaft in but it isn't recommended for very long. You MUST use caution and either block your wheels when parking or use your parking brake as the van will roll without the front shaft in. Seeing as your issue is with the front CV half shafts, taking out the drive shaft won't help. Those CV shafts will turn and slowly destroy themselves any time you are moving. Might as well leave the drive shaft in and plan on fixing the CV shafts ASAP.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
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Topic author
MobileCustoms
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 30
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:57 pm

Re: Can I run my '95 AWD without the front drive shaft?

Post by MobileCustoms »

Thanks, that's kinda what I was figuring on. Located some half shafts at the local O'Reilly's and am pulling the right side out now.
1995 Astro AWD
174,000 miles and counting
Mobile Customs - Vehicle Wraps, Signs & Graphics
http://www.MobileCustoms.com
Facebook Page:http://www.Facebook.com/MobileCustoms
User avatar

Topic author
MobileCustoms
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 30
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:57 pm

Re: Can I run my '95 AWD without the front drive shaft?

Post by MobileCustoms »

$53.00 for a rebuilt half shaft. I brought the old one with so I didn't have to pay the hundred dollar core fee per axle. They only had one in stock and the other will be in tomorrow in case I need both. Also throwing in some new break pads while I'm in there and dirty.

Also stopped at the liquor store on the way back to pick up a case of installation fluid!
1995 Astro AWD
174,000 miles and counting
Mobile Customs - Vehicle Wraps, Signs & Graphics
http://www.MobileCustoms.com
Facebook Page:http://www.Facebook.com/MobileCustoms
User avatar

Topic author
MobileCustoms
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 30
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:57 pm

Re: Can I run my '95 AWD without the front drive shaft?

Post by MobileCustoms »

test drive and all is good again.The biggest battle was freeing up all the crusty stuff, as usual. The Minnesota climate and salty roads are hard on these old beasts!

:cheers:
1995 Astro AWD
174,000 miles and counting
Mobile Customs - Vehicle Wraps, Signs & Graphics
http://www.MobileCustoms.com
Facebook Page:http://www.Facebook.com/MobileCustoms

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: Can I run my '95 AWD without the front drive shaft?

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Glad it's all set. :partyman:
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
User avatar

Topic author
MobileCustoms
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 30
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:57 pm

Re: Can I run my '95 AWD without the front drive shaft?

Post by MobileCustoms »

LiftedAWDAstro wrote:Glad it's all set. :partyman:
Yes, thanks for your help!
1995 Astro AWD
174,000 miles and counting
Mobile Customs - Vehicle Wraps, Signs & Graphics
http://www.MobileCustoms.com
Facebook Page:http://www.Facebook.com/MobileCustoms
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