VX Front Axle/Hub Maintenance Reference Pics and Info

So I am finally replacing my inner axle seals and along the way I decided to take lots of pics to add to the bank of information on this site for future reference. This isn't a how-to, but I will comment on a few of these pics as this info should be helpful to someone doing this down the road.

This is a reference pic showing all of the smaller bits and pieces that go into the front axle and hub in various places.
http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl1.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl2.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl4.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl5.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl3.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl6.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl7.jpg

Here are both outer axle shafts with outer CV assemblies attached and the inner cups with axle shafts. I do not think the outer CVs are serviceable like the inner CV assemblies. The manual makes no mention of how to disassemble them, and as near as I can figure it, they are press fitted together from the factory. I just cleaned mine out as best I could. Also, you will notice that they are identical. Therefore, you could buy 2 of these and still be able to fit them on either side. I know re-manufactured half shafts seem to only be available for one side, but this is proof that they are the same.
http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl8.jpg

As you can see, no snap ring or anything to get these apart.
http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl9.jpg

Cleaned up my knuckles and sprayed them. They were pretty rusty. Also note that I drilled out the broken ABS speed sensor bolts and hammered out the speed sensors. Goodbye ABS forever.
http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl10.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl11.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl12.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl13.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl14.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl15.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl16.jpg

EDIT: Adding a few more pics.
http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl17.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl18.jpg

http://www.isuzugeek.org/forumpics/vx/vxfrntaxl19.jpg

Hopefully these pics will help someone down the road.

Bart

MAN...nice work Bart...:thumbup:.:_wrench:

Thanks, Dub. Its a major PAIN in the boot actually. ;)

Bart

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by nfpgasmask

Thanks, Dub. Its a major PAIN in the boot actually. ;)

Bart

---

Bart Bro, believe me when I say: I know...:yesgray:.:_wrench:

I just yanked the whole frt axle out last weekend, & am now driving around w/no frt axle or prop shaft.

I can't get myself to stop & take pics when I'm...:_wrench:

So it never happened...:laughing:

Are you doing the same service as I am right now, Larry? Yeah, last night I removed my center link...took forever to get the damn thing off and I trashed the threads and boots in the process. Over 100k and none of this has been done so I guess I shouldn't cry about it. I'm putting in new tie-rods and ball joints too.

Well, back to the garage for me! See you in May, dood! :thumbup:

Bart

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by nfpgasmask

Are you doing the same service as I am right now, Larry? Yeah, last night I removed my center link...took forever to get the damn thing off and I trashed the threads and boots in the process. Over 100k and none of this has been done so I guess I shouldn't cry about it. I'm putting in new tie-rods and ball joints too.

Well, back to the garage for me! See you in May, dood! :thumbup:

Bart

---

Not exactly...4 new CV boots, diff drops & 4:77's...:naughty:

As I say in my reply here..."you're gonna hate me, but"

VERY MUCH lookin' 4ward to seeing You & Linda nx May...:dance:.:dan_ban:.:_beer:.:dan_ban:.:dance:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ldub

Not exactly...4 new CV boots, diff drops & 4:77's...:naughty:

As I say in my reply here..."you're gonna hate me, but"

VERY MUCH lookin' 4ward to seeing You & Linda nx May...:dance:.:dan_ban:.:_beer:.:dan_ban:.:dance:

---

Likewise brutha, Dub! Its been tooooo long. And yeah, the centerlink is a WHORE. I'll be callin' Merlin tomorrow....AGAIN. :)

You lockin the rear at least or leaving the 4.77s open? Where did you get yours? I would like to upgrade the Trooper's gears to 4.77s at some point.

Bart

Yes very nice work. Actually a lot of work. I have dropped the front diff on mine and it is ...lots of work. Can someone tell me more about "Merlin"?. Like how can I connect with him? I need a bushing for my upper trailing link on the rear axle.

Merlin is the parts guy at St. Charles Isuzu. I generally talk to him a few times a month!!! Feels like daily lately!!!

http://isuzugeek.org/about/merlin.jpg

Tell him VX.info sent you!

Bart

Thank You.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ebenezr

Yes very nice work. Actually a lot of work. I have dropped the front diff on mine and it is ...lots of work. Can someone tell me more about "Merlin"?. Like how can I connect with him? I need a bushing for my upper trailing link on the rear axle.

---

I know Bart answered about Merlin, but thought I'd add a little more info He's been there 12 years and knows a ton of info on Zu stuff.
Merlin usually answers that number (800-727-8066), but if not, just ask for him by name in the Parts Dept. I've found that number often goes to voice mail..which means they're busy...don't bother leaving a message, better to keep calling until you reach him live.

Also, he doesn't really like to use email...just call until you get him live.

Here's St. Charles online parts website...it shows you the same prices he gives us including the free shipping:
http://www.stcharlesautoparts.com/

Merlin's yer man! :thumbup:

Thanks again

Yup, Kat is right on all accounts. I only have his email on my little pic there so I don't forget it. I email him Impulse progress shots from time to time (at his request), but yeah, phone is the way to go. I *think* he starts work at 11:30 local MO time, so I usually get him after lunch.

And yes, Merlin is SUPER knowledgable. He might not be a hands on Isuzu mechanic (is/was he?), but I think he has been there long enough to know what parts fix what and what goes where, etc. He is a very nice guy and easy to work with, so that is a bonus as well.

Bart

Just reporting in on this maintenance, the inner axle seals did indeed stop my diff leak!! After 3+ years of leaking from this spot, it is finally dry under there!!

Bart

Great write up!

Thanks for bumping this up!
I've been trying to find this this morning!

I used the thread tools menu to bookmark it (upper right of site page).