My front axle was leaking at the right side tube for awhile now.
just wondering if i can drive the jeep (of course in 2wd only) without oil in the front axle with manual locking hub set in free position, which means no parts will be rotating till i get that leak fixed.

thoughts,

 

Thank goodness for manual hubs. You are correct that if you free the hubs nothing will turn except for the front wheels. I would say that you should be able to drive in 2wd for a short time with the hubs free, however I would get the seals repaired asap. I'd also make sure the axle is free of rust and debris prior to refilling with fluid.

 

stop by an auto parts store and buy a quart of 85/140

 

For the price of those axles, I would be pulling the plug and checking often. Refilling is easy

 

You have taken the time and expense to put in manual locking hubs but don't want to even use the cheap stuff and spend $4.50 a quart to protect your gears? If the vehicle were sitting in a dry garage that's one thing. But to risk moisture and resulting rust on the gears is another. I guess it depends how long you'll have to wait to get it fixed.

I'd keep it filled and even give it a spin now and then. 2 cents.

 

With a Jeep like that I think you would get a better answer if U post a few pic's

 

Even with manual locking hubs the inner gears will still spin slightly due to friction. Just as stated above, if you're gonna spend the time to get the Locking hubs but yet neglect the oil leak by not putting filling the diff Hmm. one of the easiest ways to fill the diff is invest a few dollars in a Vampire Pump or suction pump. I know if I were to invest on locking hubs and what not Lucas Oil would go into my diffs just like it goes into my engine. on my Jeep, Bike, and car. I take pride in what I own because I worked my butt off for it and Yeah I may be hard on it but it's mine. I see things differently because I am with in the maintenance field but fluids in the vehicle are something that should be inspected religously, or on a specific schedule. IMO I would say even if you are to add 80/90wt, or what ever gear oil just check it often, if it makes a puddle on the ground get the seals changed Fix your toy and you will be happier and have a better piece of mind knowing it was fixed as well..

 

i would check and fill, like others have mentioned......or repair.....if you do run need to remove the axles from the housing, and drop front shaft, just so you don't put tcase in 4wd......drive shaft removal is optional....but i did just incase.....when i trashed my front locker in my tj ran for 3 months like above til i got new locker.......it was my daily drive so had to make a compromise.....