Front axle removal IFS

[Awz]

Alright. after I lifted my runner (no pics yet sorry, working on it) I started getting a loud clunk (4wheel drive only), I could both hear and feel. I've narrowed it down to the passenger CV. I've got a replacement but I'm having trouble removing the old one. I've removed the six bolts on the diff, gotten the hub dial assembly off, but now I'm stuck. The manual says I need to remove a snap ring, but I can't find one. The little gear on the axle, inside the hub will barely move, and I know that has to come out. Also, I replaced the upper ball joints with some moog's. But the grease boot will not fit completely on, any suggestions? Thanks

Mike

 

[Footofgod]

The snap ring sits flush against the outside of the hub right where the spindle shaft pops through. It holds the shaft in the hub.

Personally not sure about the BJ issue.

 

[helo-mech]

This is a pic of the components that I had to remove to get to mine at the hub side. I was doing the hubs and not the shafts, so I don't have any suggestions for the diff side.

 

[SilentYoda3]

just curious how high of a lift?

 

[goatfarmer]

Going on 200k, not an authority but as a first time 'do it myselfer' had a bad front end vibration and ended up replacing the front suspension, brakes, and bearings. After trying to remove the driver's front axle I ended up dropping the lower control arm and it made removing the axle much easier. Not sure if it makes any diffference, rather than rebuild the CV joint I purchased a 'half axle' and it was a matter of removing the old and installing the new. Just a reminder to preload the bearing, then back off and tighten according to manual spec's.

 

[KidVermicious]

Hey, Awz. When you pull the hub off, you'll be looking at the spindle. When you say "the little gear", you're talking about the second ring from the bottom in Helo's pic? The snap ring is holding that in place. I worked it off with a pair of flathead screwdrivers and some patience. While you've got the CV out is a great time to remove the studs on the axle stub flange and replace them with bolts, for what it's worth.

If your Moog boots are anything like the ones I put on my Explorer, they need pressed on. I used a hammer and one of the rings from the ball joint press I borrowed from OReillys.

I'm off all this week, lemme know if you want a hand or just somebody to point a laff at you while you get dirty!

 

[Awz]

Got it figured out. I didn't realize I had to remove the hub housing, not just the dial part. And now I've run into the problem of the diff drop not allowing me to remove the shaft. Have to remove the knuckle to get it out at this point, and it's just a matter of time. Didn't have to mess with the wheel bearing at all, it's still loaded and where it's been for... however long it's been since someone messed with it. Thanks for the offer kid, but I think I got it now
Silentyoda. it's a 2" lift.
Thanks all for the input

Mike

 

[KidVermicious]

Got it figured out. I didn't realize I had to remove the hub housing, not just the dial part. And now I've run into the problem of the diff drop not allowing me to remove the shaft. Have to remove the knuckle to get it out at this point, and it's just a matter of time. Didn't have to mess with the wheel bearing at all, it's still loaded and where it's been for... however long it's been since someone messed with it. Thanks for the offer kid, but I think I got it now
Silentyoda. it's a 2" lift.
Thanks all for the input

Mike

Good deal. You're gonna come run Snakes with us weekend after this, right? Right?

 

[Awz]

I think I can pull that off, hitting AF canyon this weekend. I should be good to go next too.

Mike

 

[KidVermicious]

I think I can pull that off, hitting AF canyon this weekend. I should be good to go next too.

Mike

Nice. I need to get up AFC, I haven't yet this year.