The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Torque Tube and rear axle question

Welcome aboard Penfold.

Probable the easiest (read cheapest) thing to do is to get a factory service manual for your truck from one of the many vendors listed in the links section.

With the book in hand, (I'm assuming you don't already have such a manual!) you can then see that it's a pretty straight forward job to replace the seals in the ball joint at the back of the transmission which is the most likely spot for it to leak. Any parts you might need are also readily available from many of the vendors on this site.

If your unsure of your mechanical abilities, not to worry, this place is full of helpful people willing to help you.

Changing to an open driveshaft generally involves a change of transmission and rear end plus having a driveshaft shortened / built. This upgrade is usually done because the owner wants upgraded brake s and/or a desire for a more freeway friendly rear end gear ratio or wants to go to 5-lug wheels.