Replacement front axle question

[89Suburban]

Everything else about the parts looks to be of good quality.
I have a 12T press, and can manage an adequate die.
I'll just press them myself, clean and run some sealer at the seam.

I saw the Delco's, but at 5X the cost I'm not expecting to find 5X the quality.
Those are likely rebranded as well...Delco does way more liscensing than manufacturing.

There was nothing really wrong with the originals.
I'm rebuilding the entire front suspension, and at 160k replacing these just seemed to be prudent PM.
Just one more step, I'll push on.
Thanks Guys.

Sounds like a good plan. You seem mechanically inclined to do it that way. If you seal them up it should keep water out of them which was what I was worried about. Once they are bolted up to the axle flanges those caps aren't going anywhere.

 

[swathdiver]

Everything else about the parts looks to be of good quality.
I have a 12T press, and can manage an adequate die.
I'll just press them myself, clean and run some sealer at the seam.

I saw the Delco's, but at 5X the cost I'm not expecting to find 5X the quality.
Those are likely rebranded as well...Delco does way more liscensing than manufacturing.

There was nothing really wrong with the originals.
I'm rebuilding the entire front suspension, and at 160k replacing these just seemed to be prudent PM.
Just one more step, I'll push on.
Thanks Guys.

There's a reason why your original ones are fourteen years old with 160K miles and still going strong. I'd run them old ones rather than Chicom crap any day. Cardone...

 

[Keith Oelzen]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

Thank you Joseph, and the guys that chimed in.

I've had this Tahoe about 2 years, and am the 2nd owner having bought it directly from the first.
It's an LT, but the only option it appears to be missing is the factory trailer brake controller.
Bose, Nav, roof, rear entertainment and A/C,3 row leather, power everything including rear seats.
Always garaged, miles good for the year, and every service record all performed at the selling dealer.
Kinda the rig you hope to buy....

I initially just did some deferred maintenance. Full brakes front and rear, and all fluids serviced along with plugs wires, filters, etc.
I honestly don't blame the OP for letting go a few things, knowing that he was going to sell it as He'd bought a new Escalade.
About 8 months in, the transmission (700r4) started to stutter a bit. I had a coworker go through it and add a few upgrades for reliability. Seems solid now.
The front suspension rebuild is being done while I lower it 4/6 (F/R), along with rear helper bags for ocassional towing.
I've used Belltech for most of the drop with the sports struts and shocks.
For the rest of the new parts, I'm trying to balance quality with cost. (Some of the new Moog stuff isn't what it once was)
I did pretty thorough research on dropped ride quality, so I should be happy with the results.
I really enjoy driving the larger vehicle, and I have a Cruze for a commuter and a G8 GT for fun days.

 

[Keith Oelzen]

There's a reason why your original ones are fourteen years old with 160K miles and still going strong. I'd run them old ones rather than Chicom crap any day. Cardone...

I hear ya..I'm going to box these originals and keep them on the shelf. If these replacements give me any grief, I'll repack and boot the originals and reinstall them. I have a little more money than time at the moment, and was wanting a quick swap.
After a little looking around, I just tapped those rear cover plates right back in. Just shocked me at first, as I'd never seen that before. A good learning experience for Me.

 

[swathdiver]

It's an LT, but the only option it appears to be missing is the factory trailer brake controller.

The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller was not introduced until 2009.

...the transmission (700r4) started to stutter a bit.

Your transmission is an M30 or M32, a 4L60E or a 4L65E. These are run by a computer and not a TV cable and have other improvements that make them more durable. But it is indeed true that their grand daddy was the 700R4!

 

[Keith Oelzen]

The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller was not introduced until 2009.

Well, that would explain it's absence, lol.


Your transmission is an M30 or M32, a 4L60E or a 4L65E. These are run by a computer and not a TV cable and have other improvements that make them more durable. But it is indeed true that their grand daddy was the 700R4!

You are correct on the transmission.
This was another rabbit hole with a steeper learning curve than I wanted to take on.
I have a competent friend whom I trust handle this, and told him I didn't want it breaking on an occasional tow.
The 1/2 shift under throttle is a little firmer than I would have liked, but I don't drive very aggressively and He's assured Me I'd have to go a little out of My way to break it. I'm comfortable with his work.

Thanks

 

[johns2008]

that happened to me on one of the axels,, i couldn't get the proper reseat of the joint so it would sit in the casting the way it should. so i ordered another as if it was defective. it has to go together properly to acquire the right length when re caped