Alright so over the years I have noticed more and more vibration coming out of the front of my truck, and especially when I have it in 4WD. Here recently it's gotten pretty bad, so I'm thinking it's time for a front end rebuild.

Now I'm pretty good with cars in general, but I'm new to the 4WD game (At least working on them) So if somebody could maybe clue me in on what parts I am going to need for each side to do the rebuild, that would be muchly appreciated.

Also, if you could please list any special tools I would need to do the job (Asside from wrenches/sockets/etc) That would be incredibly helpful. Or if anybody has a link to a guide (Preferably with pics) that would be great too.

The truck is a 1987 F-250 XLT Lariat Ext. cab 4 WD with the 6.9L diesel.

Thanks for any help in advance.

 

Nobody can help me?

 

I know I just ordered ball joins and tie rod ends and bought a press tool for the ball joint I'm hoping that solves my problem. I too hope someone with much more knowledge on here responds to your post as I am looking to solve the same issues.

 

Ahh see, now I didn't even know I needed a ball joint press. Already learning something here, thanks for the input.

 

You might wish to take some time and search the forums here. Has been post after post on rebuilding a front axle. Do yourself a favor and go pick up a good book on your truck. I recommend a book by CHILTON is a great place to start.

You will need hex wrench to get locking hubs off,
Spindle nut socket - to remove spindle nuts.
A press for ball joints and U joints.
Bearing grease,
Miss picks for getting large snap ring out,
normal snap ring pliers,
Rages,
Pickle fork / or some way to pop the ball joints out of the axle ends, and same for tie rod ends,
BFH,
And I'm sure more this is just off the top of my head.

You need to jack it up and set on stands to check and see what all you need. U joints, Ball joints, bearings? If just U joints seeing how you need to remove the ball joints from the axle ends you should replace them. I end up splitting one so I just replace while I'm in there.

Be sure to check your front drive shaft U joints as well... they get over looked a lot of the time. As there not used all the time and sit in one spot until 4 wheel is used.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...lp-please.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...questions.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...t-removal.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...tallation.html

Just a couple threads to look at to get you going.

 

Oh that is very helpful, thank you sir.

Spindle nut socket - to remove spindle nuts. Is this just a regular socket, or do I need a special one?

A press for ball joints and U joints. Do you perhaps have a link or picture of one of these? I want to make sure I get the right one.

Rages, Not sure what this means.

And I have the rest.

I do also have a Chiltons manual for the truck.

I want to replace U-joints Ball joints wheel bearing...all of it. Wasn't sure if there were CV joints in there or not.

The rear U-joint on my front shaft broke last winter, sending the drive shaft spinning like a huge hammer and beat the underside of my truck up pretty bad. So because of this, the front shaft joints and transfer case are already new =P

I have been doings bits and pieces of research here and there, but don't have much time to do it really (I am posting from work as we speak)

Thank you very much though for your input so far. I just want to get a list up of everything I need, and at least a general idea of what I am getting into before I actually dive into this thing.