I did a search on here for front hub replacement and manual locking hub servicing. Thanks to all who took the time and great effort to post those replies and especially the videos. This stuff is overwhelming at first glance, but after reading the posts and with the visual tutorials as a bonus, it can be done by a brokedown novice like me. I've worked on cars all my life, but 4x4s are a whole different ballgame for me. Now my question(s). I've removed the locking hub and bearing hub, and notice the axle shaft coming out of the axle tube has A LOT of play in it. I can move/wiggle it all over the place. Isn't there a bearing in the end of the axle tube with some sort of dust cover/oil seal supporting that end of the axle shaft? If so, then to replace it, do you have to remove the knuckle and pull the axle out to replace the bearing? Is there a video on this repair? And lastly, for now anyway, am I making any sense in my description? I'm starting to think the more I get into this, the less I understand it! Oh, it's a 2002 F250SD 4x4 w/5.4 automatic. 178,000 miles. I use it to plow about 1,000 of driveway 5-10 times a winter and about the same amount pulling a flatbed to the lumberyard. No overworking it and no overloading. Front end has never been touched except for greasing and changing the diff gear oil over the years. I'll bet it doesn't have 50 miles in 4 wheel drive use.

 

I am looking for the same info to change the bearing and seal in the front diff. I have a 07 F-350, and the axles come straight out through the knuckle where the hub would be. Just have to get two pry bars to get the axle to move.

 

Look at previous post in this forum by me titled "front diff fluid level. Richs2659 responded with the dana link. I looked up the axle, found which one I have ,and found an expanded parts diagram that was helpful. Hope this helps. Post your progress so we can all learn. Sometimes I feel like I don"t have a clue what I'm doing, but I sure am having fun!