front axle clicked till it went out

[pigonawing]

hi guys i have a 1982 amc eagle sx4 with the shift lever on the dash so not full time 4x4 i figured the clicking axle would make it through the winter but im pertty sure she just went out a few minutes ago now i've seen how to replace and im sure i can do it but can it be driven in 2wd till i have time to fix it is my only car and i really need to drive it and when its in 2wd it seems fine aside from not being able to get around so good. please tell me the front end will not fall apart if i have to drive it for a week or 2 till i have the chance to fix it thanks

[IowaEagle]

As long as the outer stub is in place the front hub will not fall apart.  You do need to watch that the outer joint does not split the shaft from the stub.  That could cause some carnage under your car if you are moving.

[pigonawing]

ok thanks i dont drive far so i hope she will hold together till at least sunday i have no jack or stands and have to wait for a friend to get back to town to start on it. i've done this job on a front wheel drive car but this looks a little different do you just take apart the a arms and remove those allen wrench bolts to replace it

[pigonawing]

im hoping budget wise that i can just replace the bad 1 and do the other side in the spring

[jim]

Don't remove the a arms.
Remove the large outside nut and the hex bolts.
Turn the wheels to gain some working room to pull the half shaft to the inside.
Search the forum for tips and tricks.

http://www.amceaglenest.com/~iowaeagl/guide/index.php?title=CV_Half_Shafts

[IowaEagle]

It can even stay on the ground.

[pigonawing]

stay on the ground for real? so just crank the wheel way out and remove? is it really that easy in my life things never go like that. if you have any other tips or any idea how long this repair should take i may try to do it tomorrow if i can find the part in town that could be the fun part

[mudkicker715]

If its not that easy your doingsomthing wrong

[83Eagle!]

If you need a set of jack stands and a jack I have a set I can bring over for you to use.  I knew others on here would know more about this job than I. 

[doneagle]

  83 EAGLE! that was good of you to offer .i am going to eagg you ............Don

[pigonawing]

thanks for all the help guys good eggs all around and it really was that easy.

[maximus7001]

I have a badly clicking joint on the left side and it only clicks when turning left. While going straight there is no noise. So while driving I just coast through left hand turns then floor it once the wheels are straight. I am also hoping that it will make it until spring but I feel that it will give out sooner than later. Upon looking over the receipts for it from the PO there is less than 5000km on this axle. I think it was somehow put in wrong and the clamp that holds the outer boot to the axle is missing. A rebuilt axle is $80 here with an $80 core charge.

[83Eagle!]

I am glad the repair went well Mike.  I am sorry I was not able to join you.  Also glad to hear that your door handle is on the way.  No more climbing in from the passenger side soon.

[tougeagle]

I have a badly clicking joint on the left side and it only clicks when turning left. While going straight there is no noise. So while driving I just coast through left hand turns then floor it once the wheels are straight. I am also hoping that it will make it until spring but I feel that it will give out sooner than later. Upon looking over the receipts for it from the PO there is less than 5000km on this axle. I think it was somehow put in wrong and the clamp that holds the outer boot to the axle is missing. A rebuilt axle is $80 here with an $80 core charge.

I can get you a rebuilt axle for 45 bucks not including shipping, from a local rebuilder. he rebuilt both of mine and did a very good job....