Hi there, great site. I have a couple (well maybe a few) questions:

I just bought an '01 F250, AT, 4X4, 100K mi, 7.3L, Lariat, 6637 filter, and AIH delete.

I need front brakes and I've been told I need an axle seal as well as a pinion(sp?) seal. I've decided after reading here that I'll go with the powerslot/hawk pads. So here come the questions:

1) Which Hawk pads should I get? I live in the East Mountain region of New Mexico, and own nothing to pull. The gf and I enjoy light trail riding, so need good brakes for the steep trails and hills.
2) How much of a PITA would it be to do the seals myself? I know I need to make a tool, which is intimidating in itself, but how involved is it?
3) While tootin' around the trail today I found myself in 1st alot to try and save my failing brakes. Is this bad for the tranny? I can't afford $1200.00 for an exhaust brake, any alternatives?
4) Back on asphalt, I turned the switch back to 2WD and it sounded like a kid's bicycle with a baseball card in the spokes. What's with that? After backing up a few feet I got out and confirmed that both hubs had unlocked. Am I mistaken in thinking that should be able to simply move the selector? Manual hubs sound like the fix, but funds are limited right now.

Thanks for all the free advice I've already taken, and thanks in advance for any help on these!

 

Welcome to FTE!! #1 If you email the supplier he will tell you which rotors and pads to buy. There are two kinds, the heavy duty and the super duper heavy duties (the latter you don't want). #2 Haven't ever done it so I don't know. #3 Bad, very bad. Shift down to low range for more holding control. #4 That was probably you transfer case unlocking. You may want to change the fluid in it. Also, let off the throttle a little when you shift it. Not much, just back peddle it while it shifts.
Joe

 

are axle and pinion seals on front or rear

 

Both on front.

 

By low range you mean 4 low right? Only problem with that is idiots that like to kick up dust more than anything on my tail end. Saw an exhaust brake kit for around $400 earlier....maybe I'll get one.

 

not a real bad job if pinion seal is just seal most I have had bearing caused seal to leak
but if just seal leaking may need sav-r-seal or new yoke

 

Okay, at this point I decided it's best left to a shop....have no idea what any of this means. Thanks for setting me straight. Can a shop really tell what's bad just by looking under the truck for 2 minutes!? Can anyone recommend a reasonable shop in the ABQ area?

 

no some will take some digging