It allows the two axle shafts in the axle to rotate at different speeds, e.g., such as when the car is making a turn, the outer axle shaft will need to rotate faster than the inner.
It's basically a differential... there are outputs to each drive axle. In normal operation, it's unlocked, and it allows each output shaft to rotate at a different speed. This is critical if you have tires on one axle more worn than the other. When locked, each output shaft is locked in to rotate at a matching speed.
Axle shaft seal.Axle shaft seal.
Axle shaft, steering shaft, drive shaft, distributor shaft
Axle
The axle shaft is retained from the inside with a horseshoe looking clip.The axle shaft is retained from the inside with a horseshoe looking clip.
To remove the axle shaft, first remove the wheel, and brake drum/rotor. Second, remove the differental cover. Third, remove the bolt holding the spider gear shaft, and remove that shaft. Fourth push inward on the axle shaft to remove the horseshoe clip on the inside. The axle shaft will now pull out.
The 1998 GMC Jimmy front axle shaft torque specification is 60 pounds. You want to make sure that you do not over torque the axle shaft, as you can ruin the axle bearing.
Yes
Only if the rear axle is a drive axle.
The wheel with the good drive shaft will not move the car. The differential in the trans-axle will always send power to the axle (wheel) with the least resistance. There for the side with the broken shaft will be the axle that turns.
If it has slack at the output shaft on the tcase, most likely it has a worn chain. Is it slack up and down or as you rotate it? If it's up and down it could be as simple as the ujoint on the front dshaft or a bad output shaft bearing.