Front pinion

[babyburb]

I just took off my front drive shaft to change out a busted u joint and I noticed that my pinion from the D44 freely spins. It doesn't seem to me that it should do this. I can sorta feel the gears touching occasionaly but not grabbing at all. Is this the way its suppose to be or do I have bigger probs???

If so, what could the prob be?

BTS, this is the very first ujoint/ driveshaft removal ever... Im such a noob! Now if I can just figure out how to get the ujoints back in. Front is not a prob because it is just the c bolts but not sure how I am going to be able to press in the rear ujoint, I have very little room to work with. Any tips of the trade would help here too.
Thanks

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I just took off my front drive shaft to change out a busted u joint and I noticed that my pinion from the D44 freely spins. It doesn't seem to me that it should do this. I can sorta feel the gears touching occasionaly but not grabbing at all. Is this the way its suppose to be or do I have bigger probs???

You probably have manual hubs right? If so, when they are unlocked you will be able to spin the pinion.

BTS, this is the very first ujoint/ driveshaft removal ever... Im such a noob! Now if I can just figure out how to get the ujoints back in. Front is not a prob because it is just the c bolts but not sure how I am going to be able to press in the rear ujoint, I have very little room to work with. Any tips of the trade would help here too.
Thanks

It depends on the style of driveshaft that you have. Its probably just 4 bolts on the backside of the yoke.

 

[babyburb]

No, I run a 203 full time with no hubs.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Does the truck move in 4hi (not 4hi-loc)?

 

[babyburb]

In HIgh when I put the burb in drive it immediatly starts a clicking/grinding sound and does not move so I put it back in park. IN high lock the truck moves with no clicking /grinding but not sure if its just my rear pushing me or not. It works the same in lo lock as well but I did not try just lo.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Pull the front diff cover and see what's up. That fluid is probably due for a change anyway.