Nubbie needs a front axle?

I am very new to Jeeps and am over my head with a 74 CJ5 project. Most inportantly, I need a stock front axle (complete). It is a father son project and I was hoping to do a little driveway plowing this winter, but it turned out that the front axle is toast. The pinion gear has about 1/4 turn of play and it binds with any drive load on it. I didn't even open it up yet, but I know that's not something you can just fix.

Any advice on where to find cheap stock parts, maybe take-outs from people doing rock crawling with real parts? E-bay isn't working out so far. This is obviously too heavy to ship, so I need something within about 100 miles of Central Jersey. Please e-mail with parts or contacts. Thanks.

 

Welcome from Central Jersey. I can give you a good place to start. Try "No Excuses" a jeep aftermarket parts supplier and installer.
He is in New Egypt, NJ. (Jack Fenimore, I think) I bought a locker from him for my 74 and when I discovered that my rear already had a limited slip diff, I needed a carrier to install the locker. He supplied me with a used carrier that he retrieved from the loft somewhere in his shop. The cost was real reasonable. I have been running it for 15K miles now. Ph number is 800-923-JEEP. (also search NO EXCUSES) If he does not have it, he will likely be able to help you find it. Good luck..........Mike
What town are you in?

 

Sounds like your pinion bearings are shot. It may not be as big a deal as you think. You could probably re-bearing the whole differential for $100. If it's been run that way for awhile, you may have to replace the R&P too. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the info. I will contact "No Excuses". I guess I'll crack open the one I have to see what's left. After the way it binds when I try to drive with it in 4WD, I would be surprised if there is much left. I don't have any pictures. I am too embarassed by the body. I bought this on e-bay with a plow and found more rust than I bargained for. The previous owner must have spent about as much time as it would have taken to swap in a fiberglass tub, rebuilding the floor with wood. My goal with this thing is to plow local driveways for a few seasons, then maybe part it out. I am looking for a better jeep that I can swap the plow stuff over to, but I am on a tight budget here.

 

Before spending a dime open it up and check it out thoroughly. It may be as simple as spider and side gears broke or broken cross shaft. Check the front u-joints also. I've seen them worn to a point they would bind and you would swear it was a diff problem...... Let us know what you find.
Nickmil.

 

I agree with Nick, check it out thoroughly you may find it a simple fix, if for nothing else you and your son will gain experience.

 

Sorry, I sold my set of axles to Plunkinberry. I believe he is still a mod here...

 

If an axle is required be sure to check to see what your gear ratio is before you buy a complete axle. They need to match.

 

My business partner bought a 69 CJ and we were sure the t case was shot because it would bind up in 4 wd terribly. I went through the case and it wasn't that bad. But here's the clincher. The PO had put on mis matched tires and one was considerably smaller diameter than the other three. That was the problem all along. Go figure.

 

Could be as simple as the gears ahve bene swaped and they arent set up right.. ive had fronts bind up on me becuase I didnt set them up.