Front axle joints...Help

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Mar 13, 2010 | 02:35 PM

nick05350

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Front axle joints...Help

i have a 2004 f350 4x4 and my inner axle seals are leaking. i have replaced them on another 2004 that i have and have no problem with the seals. my problem is on this truck, the wheel joints are bad. i have taken the 4 "c" clips out and cannot get the actual joint out of the yoke. i have had it soaking in pb blaster for a couplt hours and have tried using sockets and a vice as well as a hammer and cannot get the thing to move. am i missing something or is it just rusted in there. any help would be great, trying to get the truck put back together for work on monday. thanks in advance.

Mar 13, 2010 | 04:35 PM

Monster-4

Logistics Pro

Joined: Aug 2007

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From: Millersburg, OH

It's just rusted in there. When I replaced mine I had to put the axle in my shop press, get the joint lined up carefully and supported properly, crank down on the press and then tap the joint with a hammer. It sounded like a cannon going off when it let loose. Just be careful not to bend the ears of the joint ends. It's rather easy to with a press.

Mar 13, 2010 | 05:32 PM

TRL WGN 1

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just did mine today. used a mini sledge and supported the bottom with a very large socket, I think it was 1 7/16", and hit them very hard. Didn't use a socket on top until I had them broke loose and below the ear. Once they were moving it was pretty easy.

Mar 13, 2010 | 07:06 PM

rayrayyj

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I second the big socket below and big hammer on top, no socket on top until you break it loose. You might have better luck with a ball peen hammer, I used a 3lb sledge after bending yokes using a press.

Mar 14, 2010 | 10:20 PM

nick05350

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thank you all for the advice. i will try the hammer theory again after letting them soak in pb blaster for the weekend. i cannot believe how "stuck" these things are. i have done a bunch of u joints in the past and never had this much trouble. never thought that the u joints would be kicking my @ss this bad. thanks again for the help.

Mar 15, 2010 | 01:49 AM

redford

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Joined: Sep 2000

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From: Stephensville WI

As always, remember swearing at it helps.

Just make sure the wife and/or kids are out of range first.

Mar 15, 2010 | 07:24 AM

Rando Commando

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From: Maytown, PA

I also recommend that after achieving victory in something that has given you much toil, take a minute, have a beer, bask in your victorious glory, and then return to the job at hand knowing that you are in fact "the man."