my 77 f250 highboy is due for wheele bearing replacement, it rides really rough sometimes, and its getting progressively worse. now, i plan on replacing all 4 of them, as i think that the front ones are starting to go because the steering wheele is now staring to shake. my question is, should i attempt to do this myself? or pay to have it done? i have never done this before and i have no idea what is involved, my father said that they need to be pressed in, is this true? and if so how could i do this? thanks for the help

 

I have only done this on early 80's trucks, but I believe they're pretty similar. It's definitely something you can do yourself if you don't mind getting dirty and picking up a couple of tools. You'll definitely need a lock nut socket (looks like a huge socket with any number of flanges on the end) specific for your truck (I got mine at pep boys) and maybe a set of snap ring pliers--makes it easier. You'll need a torque wrench as well. Invest in a Haynes manual, the step-by-step is pretty good, with some pics. I don't believe you'll need a press....

The only real bi^)# will be if you've let it go too long without servicing and the bearing (usually the inner, larger one) is shot. The race on the spindle can get fused on there and you might need to use alternative methods to get it off (or, preferably, have someone else, a shop do it). Whatever you do, don't damage the spindle itself, as they go for like $250 or so new(I forget, it's been a while).

Definitely invest in the Haynes (or similar) manual. Look through the directions first and see if it's something you can do. The first time I changed the bearings, it was a real pain, and my spindle was shot (got used one from a junkyard). Now when I change them, I feel confident and I know the job is done right--and I save myself a bit of money too.

later....