Any issues with removing front diff?

[Blazentpi]

Sorry if this is covered somewhere but I haven’t had much luck in my searches. Planning on replacing the seized 5.3 in my new to me 2003 ext project and since the game plan down the road is to do a straight axle swap would there be any adverse effects besides not having 4wd by leaving the front diff, front drive line and front cv’s out so I’m not having to remove them again later when the axle swap happens? I know some hub bearings don’t have much strength when the cv’s are removed and not sure if trailblazers are the same way. Thanks

[Diacom]

I ran an 02 TB w/o stub shafts in the wheel bearings. It was fine. Though I was told by the mechanics at the dealer ship I worked at that it would ruin the hubs.

I then sold it after driving it around for about a year as is and never heard from the guy that bought it again. So I really can't say one way or the other for sure, just from that experience.

[DirtyBacon04]

Trailblazer front hubs do not rely on CV/axle nuts for integrity. Even the RWD models use the same front hubs and do not have anything through the hole to hold the hub together. Personally, I've removed my front CVs for months at a time with no issues. Quality hubs makes a difference. If you don't mind replacing hubs annually, then sure, go with the cheap ebay stuff. I like to spring for ACDelco. My factory hubs lasted ~150k miles, and I preemptively replaced them a few years ago before they ever started to make noise.

[ErikSS]

As long as your 4x4, not full time AWD, you'll be fine.

[Blazentpi]

Awesome thanks everyone.

[HARDTRAILZ]

For past few months I have been sans front CV and driveshaft. No issues.