I'm re-gearing my truck one diff at a time. I'm starting with the rear. Do I need to pull the front axle off after I re-gear my rear when I'm driving around. I don't have the money to do both gears at the same time.

 

do you have manual locking hubs?

 

Not I did it for three weeks while I was waiting for part. DO NOT PUT IT IN 4WHEEL DRIVE. DO NOT PUT IT IN 4WHEEL DRIVE. DO NOT PUT IT IN 4WHEEL DRIVE. At least on the road.
Bad things happen. Specifically the driveline locks up and the weakest part snaps.

The one exception is if you are on really loose terrain. If you happen to find yourself stuck in some snow, sand, or dirt you can us 4wd. If you get traction back you can lock up the drive line. Therefor its generally a bad idea.

 

Just pull out the front driveshaft. Takes all of 5 minutes with a 12 and 14mm wrench.

 

or if you have manual locking hubs keep them unlocked and do not lock them for any reason till you get the new gears upfront

 

Take the front driveshaft off....you're gonna have to do it anyway.

 

If you still have the IFS you can remove every thing between the CV's, just tie them up, and you can drive. I ran without the front axle for a short amount of time with no issues. Don't run your truck in 4wd while the gears are different ratios, if you have a hard time remembering simple things or get drunk and do stupid things than pull the front driveshaft. its two 14mm wrenches and 8 bolts.

 

I'm with stupid... No offense.

Good advice right there.

 

I did my rear diff before the front. I drove around for about 2 weeks with that combo, I actually got stuck in the snow and had to use 4wd I was only able to do that because the snow let the front wheels spin faster then the front.

 

I do have manual locking hubs. I think I'll just remove the shaft. Thanks for the advice...