Drive without front axle

[nate_13]

So i busted a front axle on the gen 3 and part wont be here for a week i need to drive the truck to work for oneday, flat roads no offroading so i took out the axle broke it down and re installed the outer hub to hold spindle in place i noticed it leaked out about 5-6 ounces of front diff fluid is this normal, i can see some bearings in there that look to be sealed off or is it open to the front diff? Just wanted to know if it was ok to run it for a day like this and would be traveling 150 miles round trip. Thanks!

 

[TomDirt]

It's leaking from here?

 

[GCATX]

Yeah, the shaft fits into the seal to keep diff fluid from spilling out. I wouldn't drive it, or maybe tape up the hole and pull the front drive shaft in case it starts spinning.

 

[MRV99]

Just go rent a truck. Not worth causing major damage to a 90k truck. I am sure you can spare a $100 for the rental

 

[Oldfart]

Just go rent a truck. Not worth causing major damage to a 90k truck. I am sure you can spare a $100 for the rental

I was just thinking the same, find a cheap rental, or borrow a friend's beater.

 

[smurfslayer]

No.
Ok only to get you home while you are off road; field expedient repair. Get you back to civilization and that’s it.

I got grounded one time at a Ducati stealership. the conversation went like this

service mgr. “Look, Smurf, got some good news and some bad news. We got your service done, but we can’t let you ride the bike. There’s a safety recall on the fuel system. hose from the fuel pump can come loose. We have to inspect, replace any defective parts. your bike has one of the defective clamps and could come loose”.

me: Can’t I just ride home, bring it back when you have the part handy?
( as soon as I got the sentence out, I knew how stupid it sounded in context, but, before I could speak )

service mgr: “Smurf, the bike could literally, spontaneously combust. With you on it. No."

You’re grounded. Be patient, don’t be foolish.

 

[FordTechOne]

Do not drive with the axle removed. The front differential turns in 2WD due to drag from the TOD clutch. You’ll have fluid coming out and debris/contamination getting in.

 

[figure1a]

Odd question, but are you out of warranty already? Why isn't Ford working on this? They should fix that if you are under warranty even if it broke while heavy off roading (unless you have physical impact damage evident).

 

[nate_13]

Thanks! And yeah its leaking from front diff hole i thought it was completely sealed off but apparently not guess the shaft makes a seal and doesnt let fluid roll out i stuff a rag in there for now.

 

[Donovan]

Boy oh Boy.

Who needs that front axle, am I right? And yeah, isnt this under warranty?