Getting stuck way to easy. Real soft sand is nemesis!

[TBYODA]

There is a lot of side tread that really makes a very usable footprint when aired down. I was at 15psi and it was enough to get the side tread flat to the ground.

[bljis123]

Yeah, I read the article on the axle disconnect on this site. Great article, my disconnect is toast as well. I am sure the CV axle is stuck in it. I get the parts next week.

TBYODA, now that chart is too damn cool, haven't seen that one yet. Thanks!

[HawkeyeC25]

Very cool chart!!!
You can see in this image how much sand is sticking to the side tread and just how large the footprint is in this sand (which isn't that soft either).

[Trail X]

It sounds like we've forgotten how to effectively troubleshoot the 4WD system...

http://www.offroadtb.com/articles/tech- ... wd-system/

[bljis123]

[HawkeyeC25]

Got my disconnect apart last night. Outside bearing was a mix of metal powder and a few needles. The internals look fine, but the grease is like peanut butter. Water intrusion occurred at some point for sure. Going to order a new AWD unit anyway.

[bljis123]

I got the dreaded Disconnect housing seized to oil pan thing... Got it apart right now.

[TBYODA]

Very cool chart!!!
You can see in this image how much sand is sticking to the side tread and just how large the footprint is in this sand (which isn't that soft either).

Yeah, I read the article on the axle disconnect on this site. Great article, my disconnect is toast as well. I am sure the CV axle is stuck in it. I get the parts next week.

TBYODA, now that chart is too damn cool, haven't seen that one yet. Thanks!

Your welcome, sand and deep mud you need flotation thus a wide tire's, everything else you need mechanical keying here's a good white paper that explains it.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/research ... _rev1.html

[HawkeyeC25]

I got the dreaded Disconnect housing seized to oil pan thing... Got it apart right now.

I had the same issue on my '03 parts truck. Mine fortunately came right out... as did the diff. Pulling the pan in an effort to fix a hidden oil leak. Hoping the pan isn't cracked.

[HawkeyeC25]

Look what I found... now I'm torn...
https://www.amazon.com/Mounted-Disconne ... railblazer
This is a true OEM replacement from American Axle (some assembly required ). For $200

Do I get this, or the US Powertrain replacements ($215 ebay) with their claimed improvements. I've read mixed reviews on here of them.

Thoughts??

[bljis123]

I got the US Powertrain replacement with actuator. If I ever get the rest of the old out I could put it in...

[mason10198]

Look what I found... now I'm torn...
https://www.amazon.com/Mounted-Disconne ... railblazer
This is a true OEM replacement from American Axle (some assembly required ). For $200

Do I get this, or the US Powertrain replacements ($215 ebay) with their claimed improvements. I've read mixed reviews on here of them.

Thoughts??

I'm still on good terms with my awd US powertrain unit. I don't think my problem was caused by it. I think it was something I did wrong. I'm rebuilding it today and putting it back on.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[bljis123]

Im on drill baby drill status. Falling to pieces. Ran to store to get new bits... Drill baby Drill...

[bljis123]

I GOT IT!!!!!!!!!!!! Drilled holes all around. Took a chipping air gun and broke to pieces. Took hours but it finally started turning and fell out in pieces. My intermediate shaft pulled right out. Got a little bit of gear oil from diff on other side coming through. Check level after put back together.

[bljis123]

So my CV Axle was toast and fully extended, the inner joint locked and rolled over. This tore up the disconnect and lodge the back side bell housing to jam into the oil pan cavity. Let's get to the pics:

CV inner joint stuck at extension.

Lower part of disconnect shows axle rolled over

I beat the old Disconnect to get it off, it left the back bell housing lodged

Drilled holes and beat with chipping hammer for hours to break apart

It Cleaned up well thankfully

A rub mark on the intermediate shaft on inner side hmmm...

I could not get the intermediate shaft all the way into the disconnect, the bolts would start so I just backed it down in a star pattern until it was fully engaged.

2nd CV axle as I busted a whole trying to hit the tripod from boot side, thank you Auto Zone for warranty exchange!!

[HawkeyeC25]

Great work and nice pics!!! I just ordered the AAM disconnect from Amazon an a Detroit Axle CV (mine had grooving from the outer bearing that had eventually failed).

[bljis123]

Thanks Man!! That disconnect looks nice. I got the Duralast Gold CV and I am happy with fit and angle with lift. I took it out today for a minor test, armor coming soon.

https://www.facebook.com/100000791806308/videos/pcb.1114392951930421/1114392475263802/?type=3&theater

[anthonyl79]

I air down to about 8-10 pounds when in the sand. I do have an on board air setup though. 15 pounds I would say you are safe to drive slower speeds and not a long distance to get them filled back up.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[NC_IslandRunner]

I just did 15psi on my Ram on the island, did 60+ miles 1/2 at close to 30mph, and thats on 20's, no issues, just don't make and sharp turns. will be the trucks last island trip most likely, not for the trucks sake but because the TB will be ready to roll by January! My Christmas gift to myself is dropping around $2K on the old girl, shes been sitting too long!

[Trail X]

You're going to get that old pile out and about again!? Great news!