Can anyone definitively tell me if I can drive my truck without using 4 wheel drive? The driver side strut rusted out where it attaches to the front frame. It is still attached at the other end to the front differential housing? The truck seems to run fine around neighborhood. Lots of mechanics and the dealer tell me I could lose the steering or the wheel. Need help in deciding whether I should junk truck. It has only 110,000 miles on it.

 

What kind of shape is the rest of the truck in?

You REALLY don't wanna drive it like that. If the axle decides to abandon the rest of the truck, you will be in serious trouble...... It really isnt safe. At all. You could check around, and see if there is a shop that could weld some new metal on there, or, simply replace the entire axle......

 

If it's a 1500 it shouldn't be hard finding a DANA 44 axle. They are relatively cheap and would be better than trying to weld something in I would think. There are plenty around. Just make sure you match up the gearing!

 

Depending on where you are, you might find one on Craigslist. I've seen them selling for $200-$300 in my area.