2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 1995 Front Rotors/U-joint/bearing replace

[fj40dave]

A friend of mine with a '95 4x4 has MAJOR front rotor/u-joint/bearing trouble... . lack of care has caused all of those items to go bad (warped, worn, and rust coming out of end cap's on u-joint)..... so, he's recruited me to help (read: perform) the rebuild. Any tip's - is this a job that I can/should be able to do in the driveway - or should I send him to a repair shop. I just put the Luke's Links in my '01 Cummins 4x4 and thought it was fun... . sure improved the handling!

Thanks,

Dave

Anacortes, WA

 

[Joe G.]

When I bought a U-joint at NAPA there were two of them in their parts book. You want the big one. I suspect that the other one fits the 2500 gasser. The box mine came in has the number 374 on it.



The U-joint may be too big for your vise to be used as a press. I have a press so it was no problem here, but you may have to beat it apart or go to a shop to have it pressed apart and back together. Use plenty of penetrating oil.



Since it's so rusty getting the axle out may be a real chore. There are four bolts accessable from the real of the hub assembly. Get four bolts like them that are hard. Replace the stock bolts with these. Then hit them in turn to pull the hub assembly. The axle can be pulled with a slide hammer but that gets pretty dramatic when it finally gives up and lets go.

 

[illflem]

Then again sometimes the rotor with the bearing assembly slips right off the axle with no beating involved.

 

[fj40dave]

Thanks for the info - my friend with the '95 has yet to get back to me about the repair - but it looks rather expensive and "fun"...

Dave

 

[Jff24Gordn]

I would suggest cutting a 20lb sledge hammer handle down a little so you have more room to swing. If you are replacing everything, beat the snot out of it. Dont forget, cuss loudly and carry a big hammer.

 

[fj40dave]

20lb sledge eh... . and cuss loudly... . got it... . I think I'll have my friend buy the sledge so he cut's his own instead of mine (and swing it too - heck - it's his truck!)

Thanks... .

Dave

 

[DSutton]

Look in the front few pages of the latest TDR publication for a good set of instructions. I just read that in the pulication I recieved about a week ago.



And amen to the cussing and beating thing. One more thing though, be sure to draw some blood along the way(Just a liitle will do)