Can the center u-joint on a IFS front axle be changed without removing the third member and everything else?

 

Yes, it can be changed in the truck, BUT there is no doubt about it, it will suck... A lot.. You might need to pull out the passenger side beam, I'm not sure since I haven't looked at it much.

 

Yes it can be done but it is not fun at all. Torch it out and use a ball joint press to get it all back together. Probably can be done without a torch but its much better to just torch it out and press it back in.

 

Dang, that blows! Ok, I guess I'll have to do it the right way then.

 

It may be quicker to do it while it's still in the truck, just going to be kinda a PITA. If you do pull the beams then you might as well put in polyurethane pivot bushings and radius arm bushings along with checking the ball joints and spindle bearings b/c your going to have all that off the truck

 

I can tell you from experience that IF you know how to handle the hub assemblies then it will be much easier to remove the chunk from the truck. It sucks too but not nearly as much as I imagine trying to swap that joint on the rig would.

Remove wheels, pull both hub assemblies, pull both spindles, remove the driver's side axle stub, unclamp boot near the joint you are speaking of and remove passenger side axle stub, let the driver's side tie rod end loose and tie the link up out of the way, jack up frame to unload springs, loosen DRIVER'S side u-bolts, remove bolt @ pivot point of IFS, unclip the vent line from the frame, and voila you have a free third member. You don't have to remove the passenger side axle stub housing. Oh and unbolt the front end of your front driveshaft and hang up out of the way. Sounds like a lot but it is mostly wrenching and I bet it would be about the same time frame as just battling that joint. Plus you could do the other joints if need be on the front axle, tie rods, ***** joints, the pivot bushing, hub bearings/seal, diff fluid, etc, etc if needed while it's apart.

Just another thought...

 

well i guess travis kinda beat me to it

 

Hey thanks, I've got poly bushing for it also. I've done done this before on a broncoII and on two different explorers, I imagine it ought to be virtually the same process. Thanks fellas!

 

Are you talking about an axle u joint or a pivot bushing? the u joints are easy. Pull the rotor, caliper and spindle. There is a real neat adapter for a slide hammer that screws on to the spindle that you can get at napa to make that part easier. Then just pull the axle. I don't understand what everyone is talking about with pulling the carrier and unbolting the axle and everything.

For the pivot bushings, just put a jack under the frame behind the tire, pull 1 bolt out of the pivot bushing and lower the jack a bit. That end of the arm will come right out then if you have a real air chisel, go to town on the bushing. If not, then a torch of BFH will work. YOu don't have to pull the whole thing apart for any repair on an IFS.

 

Everyone is talking about the Dana 50 TTB on a F-250 with the intermediate u-joint to the passenger side. The u-joint on the shaft that doesn't come out unless you pull the center section.

But like I said before there is no reason to pull the axles or axle housings. you can do the u-joint without it. It would be better to pay some one to torch it and press it back in then it would be to tear it all apart.

 

Yeah, I'm thinking torch to the u-joint and press in a new one. It will take less time even though it's in a bit of a cramped area.

 

Thanks to all!