Rebuild or replace front axle?
 

Looking for opinions on my dilemma. My, new to me, 1970 Blazer has a front axle problem. Namely its a piece of junk. See photo.
Attachment 2135687

Should I rebuild this thing or replace it?

Rebuild will require the use of my mechanic and cost around $1300 (I already had to rebuild the entire rear end). Replace will be about $450 for an axle out of a 85 Blazer. The swap I think I can do on my own. That axle would be a 10 bolt and not a Dana 44 like it is now.

I have already swapped in a disk brake kit on the front so I would need to swap that over to the new axle if I replace it.

This Blazer will never see a reason to need 4x4. However, I want to make it functional as the rest of the truck is nice.
Attachment 2135690

Thoughts? Opinions?

Re: Rebuild or replace front axle?
 

Damn did that front axle sit underwater for years? The question I think on this one is maintaining the factory set up important to you at all?

Re: Rebuild or replace front axle?
 

There are a lot of things on this truck that make me scratch my head. But let’s not get into that.

The truck has been heavily upgraded so I’m not very concerned about keeping it original. Just functional and cool.

Re: Rebuild or replace front axle?
 

As long as the bearing recesses and caps are good, I would rebuild. You can pull those to inspect. Just make sure to get back into the same spot and orientation.

Reason being if you bought a replacement, you'd want to go through that whole thing anyway.

I have never seen one quite like that.

Re: Rebuild or replace front axle?
 

That front axle is in that green and white blazer

Re: Rebuild or replace front axle?
 

Yes. That front axle picture is in the Green Blazer. There are a ton of things wrong about this truck. I’m slowly fixing them.

I’d like to punch the builder in the face. Right after I punch myself in the face for buying it.

Re: Rebuild or replace front axle?
 

Blazer Looks good anymore pics