4x4 front axle u-joints?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 89
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4x4 front axle u-joints?
What kind of a job is it to replace the front axle u-joints on a '97 f-250? It wasn't to bad on my Chevy K-20. Don't have a book on this Ford yet. Thanks for any help, PK.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 14
From: West Cornwall, CT
Changing the u-joints is a fair amount of work. Basic steps are to first remove front wheels, calipers and 4WD hubs. Next remove the wheel bearings and rotor/hub assembly. This exposes the spindles.
Remove the spindle fasteners and then the spindles. This is usually the hard part since they are rusted in place. A slide hammer with the correct spindle nut helps a lot. When the spindles are removed, the passenger's side u-joint and stub shaft can be removed.
To remove the driver's side u-joint and stub shaft, you will have to go into the front differential and remove a c-clip. The shaft and u-joint can then be removed. Same with the passenger's side inner u-joint.
Since the front end is basically torn apart, this is the time to check and replace those upper and lower ball joints, and wheel bearings.
A good manual is needed when doing this job.
Lou Braun
Remove the spindle fasteners and then the spindles. This is usually the hard part since they are rusted in place. A slide hammer with the correct spindle nut helps a lot. When the spindles are removed, the passenger's side u-joint and stub shaft can be removed.
To remove the driver's side u-joint and stub shaft, you will have to go into the front differential and remove a c-clip. The shaft and u-joint can then be removed. Same with the passenger's side inner u-joint.
Since the front end is basically torn apart, this is the time to check and replace those upper and lower ball joints, and wheel bearings.
A good manual is needed when doing this job.
Lou Braun
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
I just replaced the ones in my 94. It is not necessary to remove the front pig if all you are replacing is the outer joints. The driver side axle is not "c" clipped in. If you have to replace the inner on the right side you would have to remove the pig and then remove the clip. When you get the right axle out, check the inner joint, if it moves freely, has no binding or tight spots, and you don't see any rust residue around the caps I would not replace it. Everything else Lou Braun stated is accurate and everything else should be checked out.
Toyman
Toyman
