My tips on replacing Front Hubs 4x4

[rocket22]

Here are the main tips:

See youtube for the videos.
Have a good number of 1/2 and 3/8 drive ready for the rear of the hub, plus extensions.
Lots of penetrating spray
Have a BFH, I used a mini sledge.
I tried this without air tools since the kids were sleeping. That is a waste of time. I cranked up the compressor and had those bolts off in 1/10th of the time (no exaggeration). If you ever had a reason to buy a compressor, this is one of those jobs that compressors make so much quicker.

Make sure to move the driveshaft as needed to get the clearance needed for the sockets. I broke torque with a 3/8 15m impact socket and finished with a deep well 3/8 chrome. Once you get these moving they should come out easily.

Get ready the pound on the hub that has been in there for 12+ years. I was going to try a slide hammer but decided to take some big swings.

Spend some time prepping the surface for reinstall and clean off the axle

Make sure you are using the proper torque wrench for the job. I rented the 1/2 drive torque wrench at pep boys. Loaner would be a better description.

Make sure you take your final toque on the hub nut while the truck is back on the ground.

Just a few tips for anyone who is thinking to try it another way.

 

[ccm2001]

Great write up

 

[rocket22]

forgot to add

If you move the axle by moving the steering wheel, which you will, you are introducing air into the steering pump if the car is not running. When I first drove the truck after the repair I got a shutter on a turn and had a WTF moment and doubted my repair (we have all been there, you know the feeling). Well I figured it was the steering pump since I was getting the shutter when moving the wheel while at stand still. I did also confirm this by finding a post by Joe Dirt on this site, and I take his word as the gospel of Explorers.

My 2000 is going the explorer graveyard tomorrow, the 2002 is now the new workhorse.