How do you remove a front axle in a 1974 Blazer?

Answer 1

I assume you mean axle shaft and not the entire axle assy. First, front end supported safely, wheel off, brake caliper off, caliper mounting bracket off, hub cover off (either a tin cap if full time 4x4 or an engaging hub if part time 4x4). Next there is a series of springs, washers, nuts, and bearings. When you can see the jam nut on the spindle, there are tabs that are bent onto the flat faces of the jam nut. A flat chisel and hammer are what I use to bend the tabs back. NOTE: DO NOT bend or damage the treads on the spindle. You will need a four wheel drive axle nut socket for this. Check with your auto parts store for the right size. After the jam nut is off, there is an indexed washer, meaning it has a tab on the inside that follows a groove in the spindle at the top. Remove this washer and the inner nut. Now pull off the hub/brake rotor with the bearings in it. Next, remove the tie rod, upper ball joint, lower ball joint, and finally the spindle. You should now be able to pull out the axle shaft unless its a limited-slip differential then you may have to remove the differential cover and remove the C-clips at the end of the axle shaft. I would STRONGLY advise you buy a repair manual for this vehicle. You have to deal with changing seals, cleaning and packing bearings, cleaning and checking the other parts, possible bearing replacement, possible roller bearing replacement, ball joints, tie rods, etc. You will need to "seat" the bearings before setting the inner nut torque. A good book is a great help if you are not experienced in doing this stuff. It's a fun job, but a little scarry the first time.