Hey guys, been a while since i have been on here. so, i have heard with my year model that if you submerge the front end(tires, hubs, axles and all) that you have to service it due to it being an open front end. Is this true? i guess servicing means repacking the bearings, right? if not, what does it mean? is it easy to do?

 

You should change your front differential fluid to get any water out. I would also extend the vent lines into the engine compartment. Your truck should have sealed unit bearings on the front. I am not positive though. This means you cannot repack them, they are sealed for life, but if they start making noise after you have been in deep water they are probably junk. They should not get water in them but anything is possible. If you have greasable ball joints, tie rod ends, and u-joints I would grease those after being in water. This will push any of the water out of the joint.

 

i took it to a shop and they replaced the front bearings and repacked them. so i would guess that mine is not the sealed type. so you say i need to evtend the vent lines huh. ive never even noticed vent lines to tell you the truth. guess you can tell i'm a newbie mechanic huh?! i do not know if i have the greased parts you were talking about, my guess is yes. how big of a job is it to change out my front differential fluid?

 

his trucks too old for sealed bearings

 

I don't know much about the ttb front axle, but I do know there is not a cover to pull. You will have to suck out the old fluid.Then use the same tool to put the new fluid in. You can find the suction tool at any auto parts store. If you still have factory parts or non-greasable parts you won't be able to grease them. I would crawl under your truck and look for grease zerks on the steering linkage and u-joints. It is very easy to do both of these jobs.

 

so, do i have to service the front end every time i submerge it? and do i have an open front end?

 

You should service it every time it is submerged in water. Water/mud in the gear lube will destroy bearings. If you want to avoid this extending the vent line with help reduce the chance of water getting in the differential. You most likely have an open differential, but I can't tell you for sure.

 

I dont think you have an open front end

 

don't mean to doubt anyone, but does anyone have a definite on this one?

 

i would really like to hear from someone who has a 94' or has had one in the past. thanks for all the info guys.

 

If you haven't extended your axle vent breather tubes you need to change your diff fluid. Repack those bearings and give everything a good once over.