4x4 front axles

[gogogsr]

Hey guys, i'm changing my brakes and cleaning my auto hub and my front axle u-joints are really nasty and was wondering if i have to disconnect the tie-rod to pull them out or is there any alternative to check if the u-joints are bad. Thanks guys

 

[Maniak]

Are you asking if you need to do anything else to pull the axles out so you can check/change them?

The drivers side is easy. You just take off the tire/brakes/spindle and pull the axle shaft out through the knuckle. Its a tight fit, but it fits.

The passenger side is harder. Its a longer shaft AND more importantly, its held in by a c-clip (more like an e-clip). In order to get that full shaft out you have to pull the differential off the beam so you can pull the clip so you can pull the axle out.

Here is a recent thread where someone was trying to pull out the axles..
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2552814#post2552814

~Mark

 

[gogogsr]

thanks Maniak, i just want to take the axle out to see if the u-joints are still good, since i'm there but didn't wanted to unbolt the tie-rod