I tried the search and I think there may be a server problem.

 If I get ahold of a samurai front axle assembly,  housing and all, what are the differences between the front axle assembly and the rear, other than the locking hubs?  I can get one cheap and my rear axle or bearings are noisy, probably the bearings.  Maybe more. I'm thinking of buying the Rocky Road bearing kit but I think my races are probably damaged by the grinding I hear. I don't know if their kit has everything I need.   
-Adam

I believe the rear has sealed bearings that have to be replaced as a unit and pressed into place, whereas the front has needle bearings, which are held in place by a nut and a lock nut. The front ones can be had at most auto parts stores. The rear bearings are a suzuki part if I am not mistaken.

The front diff uses a smaller spline side gears, so you can't just swap it over.

Urban is right about the rear axle bearings, they need to be pressed into place.  Hawk has them available for pretty cheap.

The wheel bearing area on both axles are totally different.

A spare front axle would be useful only as a parts replacement source for another front axle...

...unless you are seriously into fabbing and your hobby money stash is big. 


Most kits for replacing rear bearings contain the following:

Sealed bearing( races included)
spacer
press-on retainer
oil seal.

If you go to the auto parts store, they sell these item separately.

Optionally, you can purchase a SJ-410 backing plate that allows you to easily change the rear bearings without removing the brake assembly.

You can check all this out at this page at Roadless Gear:

http://www.roadlessgear.com/page/RGL/CTGY/DA

 

Thanks. I think I saw that backer plate at rockyroad too. I was going to see about that.

-Adam