Project Phoenix: 1973 K5 Blazer Restoration - Front Axle

Project Pheonix

Oct. 01, 1998 By Donald K. Duncan

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Starting from the ground up. The Front Axle.

After inspecting the stock axle and adding up the cost of replacing the spindles, brake pads, rotors, gears, axle shafts, bearings, differential and converting to part time 4WD, I decided I'd start to search for a replacement axle. I stumbled upon a brand spanking new Dana 60 axle for sale by Jesse. This axle was one of 500 which were destined for Desert Storm II should it ever occur and was still in the original crate. Jesse managed to get hold of 15 of these axles. At the time of this writing there was one left.. I managed to get this axle for less than what Boyces would charge for one of their rebuilt axles. The only thing I don't like is that it has a full time locker up front. I'm planning on installing an ARB in the axle so that I can use an open front differential in the snow. Rather than do it later, the ARB differential will be installed before the axle is installed in the restored frame. The original differential is for sale.

Questions or Comments about this page should be directed to: duncan@off-road.com.

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