I have a 2000 expedition with a bad foward drive shaft. Its starting to bind but I dont have the $ for a new one/ rebuild kit. Can I temporarily remove it and keep driving ie with out the transfer case leaking etc? I ask because the drive shaft will not disengage due to automatic 4wd.

 

If anyone has any idea that if I take my forward drive shaft off that it will leak fluid or cause a major problem please let me know. I have to use my truck for work.

 

You can remove the front drive shaft and it will NOT leak. Unlike the rear drive shaft, the front does not slide into anything, both ends of it bolt up. Before removing it, be sure to mark the mating surfaces with paint, and label front and rear of the shaft. This way when you go to reinstall it there won't be any guesswork.

 

thanks, I really appreciate the help. I didn't want to disassemble it just to put it back together.

 

Just an FYI, the front drive shaft bolts use a 12mm 12 point socket, and they are real tight. So make sure you have a strong 1/2" drive socket to break them free with. I literally had to use my 3/4" impact gun to break the 4 front ones loose.

 

Perhaps a replacement can be found in a junkyard. These are starting to show up there.