Front axle

[Travelin Ram]

That’s the axle tube in the photo with the bubblegum welds on it.

It makes it easier for readers to identify the parts in a shot if you take a wider, further back pic plus closer shot for details as required.

A bent axle tube is also consistent with the alignment numbers. OTOH frame damage will not give those results.

Most tech manuals have gone to online subscription models. I use Mitchell. However a printed manual with more photos might be better for a tool to learn from. If anyone still makes a decent one?

 

[cgugler]

Yeah I looked at it better here and your right. It is the axle tube. Unfortunately those were the best pictures I could get of it. I may start shopping around for a new axle. Hate to replace it but doesn't sound like I really got a choice, especially since I plan to keep the truck for a long time. I'll see if I can find a manual with photos. That would definitely be helpful, especially with learning.

 

[Travelin Ram]

Might ask for a second opinion from a good 4x4 shop or alignment business that does a lot of trucks. Ask them to assess the damage and the repair to see if the housing is showing any signs of bending that affected the internals or alignment other than it needing the offset ball joints. Spending other people’s money is always an easy recommendation, however it’s entirely possible all it needs are ball joints and it’s good for another 100k.

Sadly, the best any shop can do is an educated guess. To accurately measure the housing would mean removing all the internals and measuring the bearing surfaces compared to the ends of the housing with a specialized jig. Only a specialist that builds custom axles is likely to be set up for that. And the labor cost would exceed the cost of just swapping the housing.

I’m a perfectionist, so I’d replace the housing (or the truck LOL) but that doesn’t mean it’s a smart use of money or necessary.

If you do buy a used housing, get a guarantee. It’s likely coming out of a wreck, so…

 

[cgugler]

Haha not replacing the truck. It's got less than 80,000 on it and is otherwise a great truck. Been a very reliable vehicle and one we needed. I did send the pictures to another shop and he wants to look at it before even considering a new axle and ball joints. I'd be more comfortable getting a third opinion and he can get her in next week Tuesday so we'll see what he says.

 

[crazy jerry]

who ever attempted that weld should be ashamed to show their face in public. its one of the worst welds ive ever seen. i wouldnt even call it a weld. just a bunch of bubble gum from a amatuer