99 Sierra front axle pumpkin questions

[firemedicsafd]

Thru good samaritan stupidity, i broke the front L CV shaft and the mount for the front pumpkin. The CV shaft is easy. The front pumpkin is another story.

Can the center section be unbolted and removed for repair without removing the entire suspension? ( i know the CV shafts have to be removed)

If so, can the upper mount be welded back in place and hold like original?

If not, can the case be swapped out with another without having to set-up gearing engagement like shims or adjusters again?

Im trying to NOT spend 1000.00 bucks for repairing my friends truck.

That 1000.00 was earmarked for the Blazer transmission job that was needed.

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!

 

[sweetk30]

maybe try calling a lift kit company and ask them for the bolt on bracket used in a return to stock kit they sell . might be faster and cheeper.

it takes some doing but yes you can drop the front diff . but don't move the truck with out c/v shafts in the wheel bearings and the nut tight for them . the bearings can pop apart .

if you go weld on choice get it tig welded for sure . no spool gun weld on this aluminum job .

 

[63chevyll]

You will need to remove the front diff. You may be better off finding a used one. But you need to figure out your gear ratio. You can swap the entire assembly as long as gear ratio the same.

As far as just changing cases. Not an amateur job and gear and bearing set up involved.

 

[sweetk30]

and dealer parts counter guys can run the vin to tell you ratio if you cant find it fast .

 

[firemedicsafd]

Thanks folks. Gonna try the welding job option. Ill let y'all know the outcome.

 

[firemedicsafd]

Im having trouble finding welders who can do aluminum. Which suspension company makes the part to " return to stock" when they cut off that mount? id like to go that route before buying a replacement case. And the diff was regeared to 4.56 when it was lifted.

 

[sweetk30]

I would just call 1 lift kit company like tuff country / skyjacker / bds / to name a few and ask them . the return to stock kits are not normaly listed so best to call and ask .

 

[firemedicsafd]

all lift kit companies either discontinued that part or didn't make one. I went the case swap route. Once i got it back from shop, it went back in fine AFTER i removed the steering from the truck ( that sucked). but its all back together. NOW I'm gonna go and engineer a steel bracket for it and add some strength. STAY TUNED!!!