removing front hubs

[RMcKinney]

I'm rebuilding the front steering on a 1995 stock 2500.
I need to remove everything to get at the linkage nuts.
How can i get hubs loose enough to come off off?

 

[Stox5225]

Why do you need the hubs loose to redo the steering??

I upgraded to the 98-99 HD set up last yeah and never needed to touch the wheel bearings/hubs.

 

[fest3er]

Use the power steering. To get the front 4x4 hubs off, loosen the bolts 2-3 turns, then put a socket with an extension on one. Steer the wheel so the extension sits against a suitable backstop. Fire the engine and use the power steering to 'press' the bolts through. Then do the opposite bolt. Back and forth a couple times and the hub will be ready to fall off. You may need to loosen the bolts another couple turns and do it again. Before you reassemble, de-rust the mating surfaces and apply anti-seize.

I posted a much more precise how-to 8-10 years ago. I think I used a ⅜ drive socket on the bolt head, then used a ½ drive socket over that with a 6" ½ drive extension so the wheels were straight (to avoid a bad angle).

 

[JMcCoy]

Sometimes you have to heat the axle nut with a torch to get it off. I would reserve the blue tipped wrench as a last resort since you'll likely need to replace your hub bearings. That said, you only need to remove the hubs if you are replacing the ball joints and/or hub bearings.

 

[RMcKinney]

Use the power steering. To get the front 4x4 hubs off, loosen the bolts 2-3 turns, then put a socket with an extension on one. Steer the wheel so the extension sits against a suitable backstop. Fire the engine and use the power steering to 'press' the bolts through. Then do the opposite bolt. Back and forth a couple times and the hub will be ready to fall off. You may need to loosen the bolts another couple turns and do it again. Before you reassemble, de-rust the mating surfaces and apply anti-seize.

I posted a much more precise how-to 8-10 years ago. I think I used a ⅜ drive socket on the bolt head, then used a ½ drive socket over that with a 6" ½ drive extension so the wheels were straight (to avoid a bad angle).

Thanks.
Everything worked pretty good.
I tapped them when they were under pressure. Everything is back together.
After i change the fuel lines i'll be back on the road.

 

[JMcCoy]

Awesome. Glad to hear.