Symptoms
Death-grip steering, clunks over bumps, uneven tire wear, a front end that won't hold alignment, or clicking from the axle U-joints in tight turns in 4WD.
The fix, step by step
- Identify the axle first.
- A Dana 44 and a GM 10-bolt look alike, but CK5 members warn that the inner parts and shafts don't interchange.
- Strip the hubs, calipers and spindles, pull the axle shafts, press out the old U-joints and ball joints, then press in new ones.
- Replace the spindle bearings and seals, repack the wheel bearings and set the preload.
- Finish with new hub seals and a front-end alignment.
Tools & part numbers
- Ball joint press
- U-joint press or vise
- spindle nut socket
- slide hammer
- torque wrench
Where to buy the parts
GM corporate 10-bolt front axle complete rebuild kitOffroad Design ↗Amazon ↗
73–76 6-lug Dana 44 complete rebuild kitOffroad Design ↗Amazon ↗
Universal joints, 1987 BlazerRockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Chevrolet K5 Blazer (1973–1991) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.