I've found the problem and ordered most of the required parts, except
the culprit; the axle retaining ring (snap ring) that retains the axle.
Apparently the failure of this $0.50 ($8.00 from GM) part is not
uncommon that is why GM has discontinued it's supply and insists that
you buy a new "retrofit" axle with a larger retaining ring and groove
for about $500. Since the previous one lasted 6 to 10 years, I just want
the retaining ring but GM won hear of it. Local drive line shops have
the sam problem. Has someone else come up with a solution? One person
has told me the old axle groove can be widened to accommodate the
retrofit retaining ring (which has a round cross section instead of the
traditional rectangular). Has anyone done this?

b.t.w. This is the same front end used in the K3500

Thx!


Bob wrote:

> Thx for your reply.
>
> The '91 uses I.F.S. with a 2-piece alum. diff.. housing and a bolted-on
> axle tube on the r. side. I've pulled apart lots of conventional "live"
> axles, but never one of these. Sure I can "go at it." I'm just looking
> for some pointers, what to expect, common problems, quirks, failures,
> etc. from someone whose been through this particular model of GM diff.
>
> Cheers!
>
>
> Rusted wrote:
>
>> Not positive on the details of your axle, but I think that anyone with
>> a little auto experience, and some patience can easily figure out an
>> axle (minus the gears). Start pulling it apart, fix what is wrong,
>> and put it all back together. I think you will find, under the
>> brakes, a plate that you can remove. Once that is remove or loosened,
>> the axle shaft will slide out.
>>
>>
>> "Bob" > wrote in message
>> news:sShod.304005$nl.143258@pd7tw3no...
>>
>>> I just noticed a small puddle of gear lube on the driveway and upon
>>> inspection found the right front axle shaft has popped out of the
>>> axle tube by about 1/2 inch. I don't know ho far the truck was drive
>>> like this but probably less than 50 to 100km. Questions:
>>>
>>> What retains the axle in position (pressed on bearings)?
>>> What is the likely damage (from those of you who have experience with
>>> this)?
>>> What is involved in fixing this?
>>>
>>> Tho' I'm not a Lic'd mechanic, I'm very experienced in Auto repair;
>>> just haven't yet worked on these axles.
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>