how hard is it to replace the ujoints on the front axle shafts. is it basicly like doing the ujoints on your drive shaft?

do the axle shafts just slide out or do you need to dig into the pumpkin??

 

No need to get into the pumpkin. Pull the shafts straight out. Replace the universals just like you would on a driveshaft. If the passengers side has a splined shaft be sure to mark the orientation before you remove it so you can put it back in the same place.

 

what do you mean a splined shaft?? i saw someone mention this before??

is it hard to tell if you have one?

 

I guess you havn't done this before?

You do have to pull the pumkin (aka 3rd member) and the spline orientation makes absolutely no difference so you do not need to care about how it goes back in. If it mattered, it would be splined so that it only goes back on 1 way, such as the rear driveshaft yoke.

It's a tough job, takes a long time, it's a lot of work, if you've got limited experience - have a mechanic do it.

You need to remove the hubs and wheel bearings, pull the brakes and rotors off, take the spindle off the knuckle, remove driveshaft, unbolt pumpkin and get at the C-clip that holds the passanger side axle shaft in, and pull it all out.

A haynes manual will describe the process.

 

I have mainly meesed with F150's. this is my second F250.

i have been the rear axles some but never the front.. should not that hard. I was just not sure if the u-joints were done the same as on a drive shaft.

i guess it would pay to get good u joints..

 

The u-joints are done the same way, but are usually more difficult. They have internal snap rings - not the external ones the driveshafts have.

Getting the spindle off the knuckle is probably the hardest part. And it's important to put the hubs back together right and ensure proper wheel bearing preload.