Next uprade for Explorer 1

[Explorer 1]

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

So much attention (spelled $$$) has been spent on the engine on back of the drive train that the front axle started to get a bit jealous. So as it would be some bad things started happening on the trip out this weekend that ended our adventure.

First this happened....

Then after patching it back together and getting a few miles down the road home, this happened....

note the broken Currie control arm!

Needless to say Explorer 1 didn't make it home on its own power. I had to hook up the transport trailer to the SMB and bring the wounded vehicle back strapped to the trailer.

Let's see, a Pro Rock 44 with Warn disconnects and GM Disk Brakes, new ARB and then there is the whole issue of the bead lockers no longer fitting........does it ever stop!?

Thanks,

Fred
Explorer 1

 

[JeepN95YJ]

OUCH!

Looks like you removed the axle shaft to keep the diff happy but you didn't leave the stub shaft attached to the bearing to keep it from coming apart.

Nice carnage.:ylsmoke:

 

[NOMADIC_LJ]

I think your Jeep is just pissed that you keep calling it an "Explorer"

 

[Black Dog]

Just Empty Every Pocket

I know how you are feeling. With me it was death wobble fixed, then I got hydrolocked and spent months repairing the damage, drove it for 2 weeks and hit a deer.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Just Empty Every Pocket

I know how you are feeling. With me it was death wobble fixed, then I got hydrolocked and spent months repairing the damage, drove it for 2 weeks and hit a deer.

:Wow1:

 

[Explorer 1]

OUCH!

Looks like you removed the axle shaft to keep the diff happy but you didn't leave the stub shaft attached to the bearing to keep it from coming apart.

Nice carnage.:ylsmoke:

Do you know how stupid we felt when we realized what we had done!!!

Another couple pics of the broken control arm:

Thanks,

Fred
Cherokee 1 (just doesn't sound the same!)

 

[Steve F]

Do you know how stupid we felt when we realized what we had done!!! ....

You wouldn't be the first, I've seen a few pics of this happening.

Cheers
Steve

 

[OverlandZJ]

Sorry to see the damage Fred, time to upgrade!

This is why i carry a 2wd stub shaft.. then i dont have to worry about knocking a ujoint out of a shaft if i need to remove it.

 

[XXXpedition]

big bummer!
sorry to hear. hope you get it back together soon.
sven

 

[Explorer 1]

Now that's a good idea!

Sorry to see the damage Fred, time to upgrade!

This is why i carry a 2wd stub shaft.. then i dont have to worry about knocking a ujoint out of a shaft if i need to remove it.

I should have thought of that before, it's small and doesn't weight all that much. Now that I'll carry one I probably never need it!


I'm currently removing the entire front axle assembly. I'm fixing the ring for now along with all the other items that broke. I may need to remove the LCA bracket from the axle as it took a real beating. This will give me time as I explore what other options are available.


Next group trip is June 17 & 18th, I may not have it done by then so I might end up taking the Tacoma out and avoiding some of the more difficult trails.

Guess I should count my blessing, glad I'm not the owner of this newer Tahoe we found left along trail side on the same trip!

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Mr. D]

bummer glad you didn't roll it

 

[Explorer 1]

Another learning experience (spelled money thrown away!)

With the cost of a new front axle assemble being so high and with a few very good option available I decided to go ahead and fix the Dana 30 temporally while I decide which route to go.


I went ahead and purchased a new ring and Pinion, Currie Lower Control Arm, Driver's side front brake assemply, unit hub, new brake lines and ball joints. Took the axle off did some corrections to the bent LCA bracket.


Decided that it would be easier ( lighter) to install the axle assemble without the axles and brakes in place. Got it all dialed in and then found that I couldn't get the short side (drivers) axle spline to mesh with the diff. It just wouldn't go in those last two - three inches.

Upon much closer examination we found that when the wheel fell off and the axle made contact with the street it did more than break the LCA it actually bent the axle housing up and back very slightly. Slightly enough that the axle spline is offset to the gear in the carrier. Bummer!

You can just see the upward slant in this photo:

So next day I put in the phone order to Currie for the new axle assembly, 3 -4 weeks I'm told. Guess I'll do my exploring in the Tacoma or SMB this next month.

By the way the Ford 9" HP won the decision, with RCV axles. I'll be able to use my upgraded Ford Explorer brakes with this axle so I'll save a few bucks on not having to buy new ones.

With my recent history, I'm getting pretty good at removing and replacing the front suspension and axle on my Cherokee!

Thanks,

Fred
Explorer 1

 

[OverlandZJ]

Nice Fred! Look fwd to seing that bling under the frontend.

 

[Explorer 1]

Pick up new axle this Monday

Talked with Currrie Enterprises Thursday and they said my axle was scheduled to be complete tomorrow, so I'm planning on picking it up Monday.

It will take a few days to take apart the old axle assembly, move over the brakes and knuckles, then install the whole thing again so I can get back on the trail!

I'll post some pictures along the way.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[StumpXJ]

I have also seen the spindle assembly do the same thing... It happens. I keep an outer stub in my spares, just in case I have to do what you guys did.... Glad you are getting it all sorted out and no one was hurt when the wheel fell off!