Replacing Half-Shafts Write up (no pics tho :()

This is from my buddy, who's a ford tech.

I am going to tackle this myself, thought i'd post it for others. Times are tough, we need to save all the money we can on repairs!

Removal and Installation

NOTE: Except where noted, this procedure applies to both front halfshaft assemblies. Use only the procedure steps necessary for the halfshaft requiring removal/installation.

LH/RH halfshaft


Remove the center cap from the front wheel.
Loosen the front axle wheel hub retainer.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02.
Remove the front wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04.
Remove the front axle wheel hub retainer and the washer. Discard the front axle wheel hub retainer.

WARNING: Remove or tape the brake pads to prevent them from falling out of the anchor plate. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury or component damage.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the brake hose, do not allow the disc brake caliper to hang suspended from the hose.

Remove the two bolts and position the disc brake caliper aside.

Remove and discard the cotter pin and the nut.

Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod end from the knuckle.

Remove the stabilizer bar link.

Remove and discard the nut.

CAUTION: Do not allow the knuckle to hang freely. It is possible to overextend and internally separate each inner CV joint from its housing.

Using the special tool, disconnect the upper ball joint from the knuckle.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the outboard CV joint from the hub. Damage to the threads and internal CV joint components may result.

Using the special tool, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose in the hub.

Remove the outboard CV joint from the hub.

LH halfshaft only


CAUTION: Do not damage the axle shaft oil seal or the machined sealing surface on the inboard CV joint housing.

NOTE: A circlip retains the inboard CV joint housing to the differential side gear in the axle.

Using the special tool, disengage the LH inboard CV joint housing from the differential side gear.

RH halfshaft only


CAUTION: Do not damage the axle shaft oil seal or the machined sealing surface on the inboard CV joint housing.

NOTE: A circlip retains the inboard CV joint housing to the axle shaft in the axle tube.

Using the special tool, disengage the RH inboard CV joint housing from the axle tube.

CAUTION: Do not damage the axle shaft oil seal, the machined sealing surface on the inboard CV joint housing, or the axle shaft splines.

CAUTION: Install a new retainer circlip on the outboard splines end of the axle shaft before reseating the axle shaft in the differential side gear.

Pull the halfshaft and the axle shaft away from the axle tube, and separate the inboard CV joint housing from the axle shaft.

LH/RH halfshaft


Remove the halfshaft assembly from the vehicle.
CAUTION: Always install the halfshaft with a new retainer circlip and a new front axle wheel hub retainer.

CAUTION: On the RH side, check the retainer circlip engagement after reseating the axle shaft and after installing the halfshaft in the axle. On the LH side, check the retainer circlip engagement after installing the halfshaft in the axle. When seated, the retainer circlip will lock the axle shaft and the inboard CV joint housing to the axle.

CAUTION: Never use power tools to tighten the front axle wheel hub retainer.

NOTE: It may be necessary to support the front suspension lower arm to be able to connect the upper ball joint to the knuckle.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.