Front Axle

In the scenario where only the rear axle is engaged and the front hubs are set to "free", does the driveshaft spin making the mechanisms of the front axle rotate or they are stationary until the transfer case is engaged in 4x4? In the case it does not move, should it be engaged every so often as to lubricate all bearings inside? Thanks!

 

Front shaft is not powered when the t-case is in 2 High (or 2 Low if you have that capabilty) and the hubs or set to FREE. Change either of those two things and the driveshaft will turn while the JEEP is moving.

I think everything gets lubed okay in 2WD. If you use 4x4 a few times a year I think your fine.

 

At a minimum, it is good to lock in the front hubs a few times a year and drive around some. This slings lube in the knuckle up to the top kingpin bearing.

 

Well, it's a Jeep, you really ought to take it off road at least a couple times a year to where you NEED to engage the 4WD!

 

Thanks a lot! I wasn't sure 100%. I rather ask a dumb question than perform a dumb act! I live in Miami, not a lot of hills around. I plan to use it as a daily driver for my oldest son to go to school. My issue is that I have been working on the front axle and it has taken a lot of time. I want to get it as good as I can and move on. If needed be in the future I can always open it up and work on it some more. I got the preload good but I winged the pinion depth. Kept the existing shims, however that is a poor indicator since the bearings were a mess and the axle was not properly adjusted. Now I'm working on backlash. I need to mount it back on wheels to move it around my backyard and work on the body.

 

A little tip on set up of R & P try to get the gear pattern correct before adjusting backlash. It will be much easier. Not a easy task hang in there.

 

Pardon my ignorance: once I have a decent gear pattern (I read somewhere to worry only for the "coast" part in a set of used r&p) if I change the backslash, wouldn't that modify it? Which paint do I use to mark the pattern?

 

Don't know about your first question.

https://www.amazon.com/gear-marking-compound/s?page=1&rh=i:aps,k:gear marking compound