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Hey Guys, So once again working on this truck.. winter is killing us here in ct.
Today it is my front axle u-joints at minimum.
question is: Besides the obvious need for the u-joints what other parts should I change out now while it's apart, What ones are needed in order to get the job done and where and what brand to buy? I've gotten no help at napa or autozone. Any help, advice would be great. I've already purchased new shocks so those will be done while i'm at it.
thanks
I'm doing mine today, well started today. I only started replacing it because I was replacing the hub. I would get a new dust seal for the inner shaft and a knuckle seal as well. The knuckle seal is a rubber and metal gasket/seal that's on the short shaft. I got all of my stuff at Napa. I have a pretty good relationship with my local guys. I think the U joint was $45 and the knuckle seal was $58.
I go right to the ford dealer and get the complete shaft. It comes with the inner axle, outer stub, u-joint already installed, rubber seal in back, metal dust cover, for 230.00 dollars complete. just take out your hub pull the shaft out and slide the new one in, the inner seal is big and hard to get out it comes out the front and you always wind up destroying it, with out that the auto hubs wont work if you have that option, its a hour job and well worth getting it right the first time, that price is for the right side, long side, if your doing the left, I'm sure the price will be cheaper. that the only way I do it. here's why
See the damage to that seal, that after I cleaned the center spindle with emory cloth and grease it, and it still ripped coming out, I think it's a no brainer, but that is up to you. Good luck
Wow, $230. I would have been done hours ago. Napa was almost $600 so I didn't even entertain that option. Thanks for the heads up. I may return the seals and u joint and buy the whole shaft as you stated
If you have a Fleetpride or some other truck drive shaft/chassis shop in your area give them a call. They will rebuild yours or they should have remans and new on the shelf. And Im positive at a fraction of the ridiculous "stealership" marked up prices. Insist on Spicer ujoints and use the Spicer grease in a dedicated grease gun for future service on the truck...if you so chose.
It's and 03. I ended up being able to replace the u joint. After a LOT of hammering. Putting the knuckle seal on was a chore. I made the home made tool. I can't get it to seat all the way down. I cleaned off where the old one was but it won't go all the way, maybe like 1/8th inch gap. So when I install the axle the dust seal doesn't sit in the tube all of the way. If the retaining clip goes on after the hub it's in all the way. I Locked the other hub and spin the tire and the side I'm working on spun too so it must be in he diff, just not sure if it's all the way.
Edit: I just picked up the ford dust seal and it's about 2 times as wide as napa. So I might have it in all the way. I will find out shortly. Thanks for the help so far!
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