Well, I've done it now...First my t-case has been getting F***ed up and I can't get it into low and when in 2HI it trys to engage the front driveline at about 60 with the hubs unlocked so I have been running it it 4HI to avoid further damage(hubs unlocked) well, after trying to pull a half ton dodge out last nite, and the driving in a foot of snow(hubs locked in of course) I went out this morning to move my truck through about a foot and a quarter of snow so they could plow my apt. parking lot getting a little stuck and trying to roar it out, I began hearing a metallic BANG BANG BANG...figgured I broke something...yep of course I did...couldn't happen at a worse time financially either(as usual) well after having the skid steer unstick me, i moved the truck and inspected the front driveline...nothing hanging down or real obvious, so i looked a little closer and bingo - the front left ujoint by the hub is done for...that is a rediculous thing to break in a driveline IMHO...so what all am I looking at to repair this? Im prolly gonna remove the front driveshaft due to the t-case screwup so hopefully I can at least get around in 2WD...

 

Pull the tire, pull the hub, pull the spindle, the axle should then pull out. Reverse to reinstall.

Thats a real quick overview, might be some other specifics for your axle setup.
Sounds like you need to tear into the transfer case as well. They aren't too bad to rebuild.

 

cant I just replace the U-joint like on a driveshaft?

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-u-joints.html Here is a good writeup. You don`t need to go as far as the ball joints and yes, you just replace the joint exactly like a driveshaft.

 

I'm guessing you have a dana 50 TTB style axle. The u-joint is the one where the hub pivots right? I don't think you can replace it while its still on the truck. Might be possible, but I don't know how you'd attack it like that. Much easier to remove the axle and replace the u-joint on a press, with a vise, or brute force if thats how you roll.

 

thats your weakest link so you don't brake the axle.
you want that inexpensive part to brake first.

however the job is a time consuming one.especially if you've never done it before.
tip;when removing things,set them in a row,you can follow the order they go back in.
tool tip;
you'll need a socket to remove the spindle nut.
my D50 used:
1/2 dr.4 lug internal 75mm X 80mm locknut socket.
Dana 50 front axle.
(tool sticker says 85-95)

GreatNeck #33625966

sold at autozone.

read here for other years/axles/sizes:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...do-i-have.html

suggestions;
replace both outer front axle U-joints.
if the pass side inner looks ok.then leave it alone.
you'll need some grease to repack the bearings.
replace any seals that don't look too good,or if the truck has over 150k miles,replace all bearings and seals while your in there,is what id do.

this isn't one of those jobs for the faint of heart.imho,it's pretty dang miserable.prepare yourself for it.you'll be repeating the tile of your thread quite a few times.especially if your out in the snow lol.

one last suggestion;
remove the front drive shaft for now,and just suffer with a 2wd truck for the rest of winter if possible and then do the job in the spring/60 degree weather.
if you have a heated garage/shop,disregard.