does anyone do anything to protect their axel stubs ( at the rear diff or at the wheel bearing) while driving without a rear axel due to a welded diff?

i'm thinking in terms of protecting the wheel bearing, not an issue?

not really an issue the rear axles are totally differant than the front. and the rear bearing is just as sealed without the axle as with the axle. before you put the axle on you might want to wipe the dust off of the stub splines and put a light lube from time to time when you put the axle back on. that way you keep it an easy job.

Me too!

 

I've been looking for some kind of rubber cap to stick on the splines and cover the whole area and keep the dust out of the splines and the bearings. Something like a spray paint can lid made out of rubber or thick plastic may work?

 

So far I have not found anything that will work.

Although it might look funny, you could just put a cup minus the axle back over the splines.

 

I just spray them real good with a lubricant. Never had a problem sliding them back on. (having a wire brush handy helps too.)