PLEASE I am having a debate between two shops that worked on my truck !One shop did hub assemblies ! The other did ball joints !According to both shops they both have some type of instruction data.One says it means to take ball joints out you must take axle OUT ! The other says you don't take the axle out! What's the difference ? Cause axle seals are missing which causes automatic 4 wheel to engage ! One mechanic that did hub assemblies says HE DID NOT TAKE axles off,so if he did not he could not be responsible for missing axle seals/excluder seals.Other mechanic who did ball joints says he didn't take axles out to do ball joints ! ( He is the owner not the actual worker that worked on truck )I have been told and saw a post that axles HAVE to come off to do ball joints ! PLEASE help with your thoughts ! THANK YOU !

 

TTT I am sure you guys have a answer to this one.

 

If you would have looked in the Tech Folder (up at the top of the forum, marked READ FIRST) or performed a search, you might have found this:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ll-joints.html

That will answer your question.

 

Thank you VERY much . I have read that complete thread.I have also found one with complete pics and instructions and have gone over that a few times.I believe NO DOUBT that axle shaft HAS to come off to DO BALL JOINTS.I was just looking for some to answer the question .This thing is just a pain ! Good friend of mine telling me ( mechanic ) I don't recall ( job done 2.5 years ago ) , they don't have to come out and NOW if they did come out ! PLEASE just tell me yes or no axle HAS TO come out THANKS AGAIN .

 

Yes the axle has to come out to do ball joints....can't see anyway to press ball joints in or out with the axle still in the steering knuckle as the u-joint is in the way.

 

Thank you watching thread that had pics other mechanics input plus Common sense tells us AXEL HAS TO COME OUT to do ball joints. Thank you all !