My 96 F250 4X4 destroyed the front right outer axle u-joint. Has anybody replaced one of those without removing the spindle? Or is removing the spindle not such a big deal since I'm already there with hub off? I was hoping to replace it with a couple well placed c clamps and try to do it without hassling with bearings.

 

I'm not gonna rule out changing it without pulling the spindle, but it likely won't be very easy and it could end up costing you more time in the long run than just doing it the old-fashioned way.

Adjusting the bearings is the easy part. Getting the spindle off will be the challenge.

 

Don't sweat taking the inner hub and bearing off it's really no big deal, the bearings are caged and all you need to keep in mind upon reassembly is to set the correct preload with the inner bearing retainer nut. I don't see changing the outer U-joint without dismantling all this either, it's just to tight to work.

 

Wheel bearings I don't have a problem with. Its the roller bearing and seal inside the spindle i worry about. I'v never been that far into it before. Just had hub and wheel bearings out before.

 

Don't worry about the spindle bearing. Unless it's shot and needs to be replaced you won't even know it's there.

 

Again... it's caged and shouldn't be a problem unless it got torn up when the U-joint went.. in which case you're replacing it anyway.

 

Ok, all my fears were laid to rest. Got to the spindle and found out that was the worst part. Knocket the crap out of it with a mallet until it gave way. I read about that on this site, so thanks for that. Everything else was straightforward. Discovered for myself there is absolutely no room to replace u-joint while still in truck. Heck I even ruined a new u joint while installing it on the bench out in the open. Pushed the cross right throught the cap. Dont know what went wrong but next one slid right in. Thanks for all the advise.