Guys,
I am new to the 80 series forum, been over with the 70 series. Just purchased a HDJ81. I drove it home last night and was going to go camping next weekend and probably put on about 1000 miles over the following week. Last night I started changing all fluids. The front diff fluid was off color, contaminated with grease I presume. There is a little bit of saturation on the knuckle arm but no dripping onto wheel or anything. I presume this is because the axle seal isn't great because the vehicle has sat with little miles put onto it for a couple years. I will check the breather hose though.
So the question is, I am wondering if it would be reasonable to
1) Use the terrain tamer spindle axle tool to get grease back in the spindle and knuckle to the correct level, check that the breather is clear, and put fresh fluid in the front differential, use the truck for the trip, putting on about 1000 miles, then tackle a full tear down and rebuild of the knuckle, seals, bearings ect.
OR
2) Use a different truck for the trip, I would be causing excess wear and damage by continuing onward without fully addressing the issue.
Thanks in advance.
Sean