front drive axle universal

[Fritz180]

ok. here goes another question. Does anyone know what replacing the front drive axle universals near the two front wheels in tale? What kind of tools are needed and how it needs to be done. also how long should it take to do one side if you've never done a universal? any replys would be great thanks.

 

[Justshootme84]

This is a common job for me, since both the 78 and 79 rigs tend to bust the front u-joints or axleshaft ends. Coming out from the differential, you have a short shaft on the driver's side, then the u-joint, then the outer or "stub" shaft. the passenger side has an intermediate shaft from the diff, then a short axle shaft, u-joint, and stubshaft to the wheel. You must remove the wheel, then use a special spanner wrench to remove the hub lock ring. Pull the rotor after unbolting the brake calipere, then remove the spindle to pull out the axleshafts. Sounds easy, but you may have a hard time removing the spindle with a soft mallet or hammer + wood block.

 

[Fritz180]

that special spanner wrench can I rent that from like a checkers or autozone do you know of? Do you think its a 2 day project to do both fronts?

 

[Justshootme84]

You can rent a kit with 3 or 4 different sized wrenches for about $50, which you get refunded when you return the kit. i just went ahead and boughgt the wrench for under $20. It's a large round socket, with 4 notches in the end to fit the outer bearing lock nut. It normally takes me about an hour per side, but for a first time job I'd say 3-4 hours. that includes replacing the wheel bearings and seals while you're there.

 

[Fritz180]

okay. Thanks for your help. I hope it goes as easy as it sounds. well close to it anyways. I figure I have to get that done before the road trip to New Jersey

 

[Justshootme84]

Just find a good knwledgeable salesperson at the local parts store to help you with the right parts. The O'Reilly's has been my best bet, and they have the parts in stock. there's a few different size bearings, seals, and u-joints for the D44 front. You may have to take the old parts with you to check with the new ones. this is what will take more time than the actual r&r. you also want to have the corrcet torque/ preload on the wheel bearings, which you can find in the Haynes/ Chilton repair manuals.

 

[Fritz180]

I have the repair manual. O'Reilly's though I'm not sure what that is. I'm guessing it is going to be a guessing game to see if checkers or autozone have the parts in stock.. yay.. again though thanks for your help. I greatly appreciate it.

 

[BroncoJoe19]

Here is a thread on how to use a C clamp for a double cardon joint, certainly more complex than a simple Ujoint, but the same principal applies.

http://broncozone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12560

While you are renting tools, consider renting a spindle adapter to a slide hammer and the slide hammer. Pulling the spindle without one is a REAL man's job. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Have fun and be careful.

 

[Fritz180]

Thanks for the info broncojoe. That link helped me with a few questions already. I appreciate your help and I sure hope it will go nice, easy and safe... don't want to get hurt before I have to drive 2500 miles back home to NJ. that would be bad... Thanks again.

 

[Justshootme84]

O'reilly's Auto Parts. i gave up on Auto Zone and Advanced Auto PArts, since every store I've been to doesn't have the parts in stock...

 

[Fritz180]

I haven't heard of them here. well in that case I hope checkers comes through for me then.. Well thank you again for your help.