Anyone have a good method for replacing the front drive shaft CV joint "head" center bearing?

http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-...head__3_5_.htm

The local shop sold me a rebuild kit with the bearing, spring and cover but I have never even seen one done so I have no idea how to get it out without damaging the yoke part. The search feature seems to be broken right now.

I was disappointed to find that the front driveshaft on my '79 F-250 was using 330 series u-joints. The truck's rated for 8400 lbs I thought for sure it would use 3 7/8" stuff front and rear.

 

you talking about the small bearing inside the CV collar?

if so the best way is to completely disassemble the whole thing. it's a PITA and kind of tedious but it can be done fairly easy. i've only done one on my dads bronco and i had to pull it all apart.

good luck man

-cutts-

 

Yep I think that's the one. I disassembled it all and took some pictures - should have them up later tonight with some tips on how I did it for the next guy. I had no idea there was anything other than u-joints in there.

 

O.k. I put pictures in my gallery under CV something or other. Jeff's Bronco Graveyard sells the CV head with new bearing for $30. The bearing by itself cost me $24 locally so it is worth your time and money to just buy a new head. If you can't wait for shipping like me and you find a new bearing assembly you can follow allong with my pictures and get a rough idea of how to replace it. The side walls on the head are very thin and there is now way to take the bearing out by prying or beating without destroying the head casting. I'll take some more pictures when I press the new bearing in.

 

I had to replace that centering ball on my Jeep...the spicer one has held up nicely thus far. I think the reason it went out was due to the dust shield ripping and grime destroying everything....