Do the front axles rotate at all in 2wd with manual hubs in the "free" position? I've got a split in one of my CV joints that I haven't had time to replace. Am I doing any damage to the joint, assuming it's not already shot?

I'm wondering if there's enough friction with the wheel turning to make the axle turn.

 

no they dont turn because you are free wheeling. no youre not hurting anything, but eventually they could fail so it is a good idea to do it sometime....but you know that.

 

Since you have manual hubs, ITS2SLO is correct. Once you engage the hubs the axles will spin.

 

Pound out the studs on your axle side when you pull the CV. Makes a ton of difference getting them in and out. I only have to jack under the bottom A-arm about 1/2" inch to do mine - no disassembling the upper arm or ball joints.

I replaced my studs with the same size bolts. Total investment was $12 for both sides.

 

No the axles shouldn't move with the hubs in the FREE position. To check to see if they are, you can pull the transfer case lever >slowly< toward 4HI while moving. If the gears start to gnash, don't continue into 4HI. That means the front driveline is not engaged.