OK, I know this is probably a stupid question, but since I am pretty new to Ford trucks and have not bought a repair manual yet, this has been bugging me.

Truck is a '97 F350 4WD

Are the front wheel bearings packed or are they wet hubs lubricated by the front diff. oil? I only ask since the axle is solid like the rear axle.

After the holidays I am going to pull her in and change all fluids and re-pack/re-place the front bearings as needed.

Can anyone reccommend from experience any suggestions for:
1. A great repair manual for this truck, with alot of detail and pictures?
2. Aftermarket fluid for this transfer case?

Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
sk

 

front bearings are packed, you will notice that although it is a solid fron axle you have steering knuckles that prevent lubrication. I don't use a manual I use this website.

 

there is seals inside the diffs.

i use royal purple for my diffs, tranny and xfer case. good stuff.

need a manual pm me your email address.

 

also if you are gonna pull the front end apart you are going to have to rent or purchase a special socket to remove the spindle nuts on the front diff. it is the one with 6 teeth on it, usually can be picked up at a local parts shop. use care when reassembly as you dont wanna mess up the lock ring.