Attention: TDR Forum Junkies I recently changed my upper and lower ball joints on both sides along with the u joints in the axles. I have 85K on the clock. The u joints were to the point of falling out they were so bad. When I couldn't get the hub out after a couple of hours I came back to TDR and started searching. I found what I needed in the second gen section. You just need a socket and various length extensions. Obviously remove the tire, brakes, and axle nut first. I chose to break the axle nut loose while the tire was still on the ground. Then back the 4 bolts on the back of the steering knuckle out 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. Then you can start the truck and use the power steering to push the hub out from the back. This is done by placing the socket and various length extensions on one of the bolt heads until it makes contact with the axle housing (or anything that will not bend such as frame) when the wheel is turned. Move the socket/extension combo around to each bolt then apply pressure with the steering wheel. You will notice it start to move on the first one and by the time you get to the fourth bolt it will be out far enough to remove with light prying. Just remove the 4 bolts and remove the hub. You will probably have to tap the alxe with a dead blow hammer to get it to separate from the hub. Doing it like this there is no danger of pulling the hub apart like if you use a puller. Renting the ball joint press at Autozone is also a big plus. I had to make a couple of adaptors since the ones in the kit were a little long or maybe the press just a little small for a 1 ton pickup. Anyway hopefully this will help someone who is trying to do this themselves without taking it to the dealer.
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