Half-Shafts

[Stinger]

My son is about to embark on a long drive to Reno, NV in his '82 Eagle.  His half-shafts need replacing.  He has a very specific question.  Can he safely drive the car almost 500 miles without any half-shafts?  Is that even possible?  He's planning on leaving tomorrow or Thursday.

[LaGuardia]

I'd say no.

Basically, as long as 4WD is not engaged, you COULD make it... but... the half shafts are spinning anyway and in the long run if a seizure occurs, you could have serious damage to the transfer case, or the wheel hubs, or steering stuff, you name it.

Can you be more specific about the reason of needing replacement ?

[SleepsUnderCars]

DON't DO IT !
the bearings will fall out
lost them on 2 different cars while draging them across a field.

[LaGuardia]

Well, I guess this clears any doubt...

[kajsdf]

as long as you can find a set (and you have a few tools), it is very very easy to replace them...i replaced one (first time i did it) and i was done in about an hour

[IRON HORSE]

Hello,
  
   I wanted to share a way to drive your Eagle without the front axles. You need four 2" dia. washers with 3/4" hole.    Also need two 5 inch long  x 3/4" bolts, if you are going to drive it use the 5" ones... nuts and lock washers for the bolts. Cut two pieces of 3/4" inner dia. heater hose about 3" long.   Place one washer on each bolt ... then slide the piece of hose over each bolt ..... a little grease will help slide the hose over the bolt .... then push the bolt with the hose thru the hub hole from the inside outward.  Put the remaining washer on the exposed thread end of the bolt then lock washer and nut... Tighten untill the lock washer is fully compressed ( both sides ) and you,re ready to drive away.  This is only intended for temporary use because it won't keep the water and dirt out of the bearings, but keeping that in mind you can drive your Eagle without the wheel falling off until you get the parts to fix it right.    .......Pict added...... also posted in axle/diff..

   I figured I better add this disclaimer: ..... based on the expected sheer, tension and torsion loads on the hardware used, a failure is unlikely ... but it is not in keeping with the manufacturers design ... so it is up to the user to determine suitability and safety if this modification is used ..  and by using this idea you are accepting the outcome of its use, good and bad.



                                                                                     Regards, Iron Horse

[Smitch]

I just used the hub end of the old half shafts. They come apart easily so I just slid them back through and tightened the nut. I drove like that until I could afford new ones.

[IRON HORSE]

Hi,

    yep, that is probably the best way since it seals out the elements.... but if you don't have that option and need to move an old Eagle ( like onto a car carrier ) or put new boots on the shafts and need to get to work until they're finished .... etc.  that's when the bolts will work.... then save 'em for next time you need 'em... just an idea......

                                                                                      regards.              

[LaGuardia]

That's a really good idea, indeed.

Thank you for the hint, EGG on your way !

[SleepsUnderCars]

very useful info indeed! Looks like a small box of hardware will be taking up residence in the big truck...and my off-road eagle, too.
another egg coming your way, IH.

[Smitch]

I put IRON HORSE's tip in the Eaglepedia's "How-To" section.

[IRON HORSE]

Hi All,

    Hey, SleepsUnderCars wanted to let you know when you come pick up the 5 Eagles ... one will have this setup you can take with you ... uses the 4" bolts though , used for movin' NOT driving.... because there is not enough tread thur the nut to be safe on the road. ... but will work for gettin' them on the trailer.

                                          Regards, Iron Horse                  

[IRON HORSE]

Hello Friends,

     I have a more permanent solution to driving with the bolts in place of the front shafts ..... you have to machine this... and use it in place of the inner washer mentioned in the above post ... it will seal out the elements by contacting the hub to shaft seal on the inside of the hub.......use the 5 inch bolts .. use thread lock or drill a hole for a cotter pin!!!




                                                                                         Regards, Iron Horse