front drive axles

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Apr 26, 2003 | 08:15 AM

ambrose

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front drive axles

did a front brake job on the 86 XLT and noticed the r/h front drive axle u-joint at the spindle was pretty well shot. i check the l/h and it's solid as a rock.

how much of a hassle is it to replace the r/h u-joint and shold i go ahead and do the l/h as well?

looks like and all day affair

ambrose

Apr 26, 2003 | 07:05 PM

truckford

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front drive axles

A gravy job. Be sure to pack your spindle bearings and check all of your seals while you're in there..

Apr 26, 2003 | 09:30 PM

BOJOFASO

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From: NJ

front drive axles

its not a bad job. tear down and remove the rotors remove the 8 nuts that hold the spindle on and start tapping the spindle with a soft hammer. it should come loose and you can take it out.now with a little luck you should be able to pull the axle shaft out. replace both joints on the right side clean everything up really good of rust and dirt especially the spindle and where thespindlle seats install spindle, replace seals,repack bearings,install rotors,brakesand tires and one side is done. about 2 hours.now go do the other side. this side is easier because you already did the other.1 hour. the biggest job is breaking the spindle loose. dont beat them with a medal hammer or you will nick them up and take the temper out of them.good luck and work safe so you can enjoy your truck when you are done

Apr 27, 2003 | 02:32 AM

steve83

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Memphis, TN

front drive axles

Quote:

Originally posted by BOJOFASO
remove the 8 nuts that hold the spindle on ... you should be able to pull the {R} axle shaft out

On an '86 1/2-ton, there are only 6 nuts for the spindle. For the R side, you have to cut the keystone clamp on the slip-joint boot to get the axle shaft out of the axle beam. If you spray it with Liquid Wrench, you MIGHT be able to slide the axle out of the boot without cutting the clamp.

You can find some nice exploded diagrams here.