Replacing front hubs difficult?

[01DeepBlue]

I haven't owned a 4WD since my 1979 F150 when I was 18 so automatic hubs and hub assemblies are not familiar to me. I know my passenger side hub is on it's way out but I've never replaced one of these modern units before.
What's involved and what special tools do I need if any?
Also, front right tires seem to be wearing on the inside and developing bubbles or separating the belts. The originals when I got it had already been rotated and both had bubbles on the inside where it was bald. The temporary used replacement I put on just separated the steel belting and is now also a goner. I know they are too big for the truck(31") but something else seems amiss to me. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[mustang6878]

I saw that tire wear on my 03 Trac and replaced both upper and lower ball joints. I had the hub assemblies off to do it, and although it is a PITA, it is very doable if you have the time and tools to do it.There are quite a few links on here to help you out, but these ones worked best for me. Good luck!

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188225

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=249135&highlight=ball+joints

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1499087&postcount=1

 

[01DeepBlue]

Does anyone else have the problem with pages with pics having little popups at the bottom of each pic? The page becomes unresponsive and slow and I can't scroll down whenever they are there. The page just starts freezing up. It only happens on the pages with pics that have those popups in them. Pages without pics or with pics that have no popups are fine.

 

[05dakotatrac]

Gotta go elite to drop the ads on bottom. Honestly 6 bolts is all it takes to remove it. the 2 caliper bracket bolts (just keep caliper on it), the axle nut 32mm or 34mm IIRC, and the 3 hub bearing assembly bolts

 

[MidnightRebel07]

The only special tool that you'll need is the 32mm axle shaft socket. If you can do work on a solid axle than the ifs is nothing. There's plenty of How-To's in the "stock 95-01 Explorer" section forum. It's always best to replace both sides at the same time, get yourself a set of Timken hub assemblies.

 

[01DeepBlue]

Thanks for the replies. Advance Auto sells Moog and then of course their generic brand. I only buy name brand stuff but do any of you have opinions on Moog vs. Timken?

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Moog makes great products, I haven't used Moog hubs yet but have used their other parts for years.

 

[jmmorgan82]

Not sure how much those are at Advanced, but Amazon has the Timken for $114 with free shipping and Motorcraft for $182 with free shipping.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Most parts stores will price match, that way you have a place to take them back to if you have a wars rangy issue. Rockauto.com is also a good place to buy parts cheap and there's always a discount code in the vendors section on this site.