Well that upper fitting didn't want to go. The plastic clip just came apart, maybe from me trying to force it off yesterday. I did push the hose in first, then push in the clip and then try to remove it. I think I must have messed up the little metal tabs inside.
The bottom one came off pretty easy. So I ended up cutting the upper one once the plastic clip had disintegrated. So that's another $40 to add to my parts list. At least the upper hose is the short one (vs. the $120 long lower one!) Will probably need to cut off the metal housing with a dremel tool in the hopes of being able to save the power steering cooler.
Anyway, after that ordeal, the entire front of the engine is now exposed. Here are some shots at this oily mess of an engine.
Looks like the water cooled alternator was replaced at some point. I suppose that is good news, maybe? I had to wipe off a layer of oil and dirt before even realizing there was a label on it at all.
Removed the heat shields around the transmission
Next it was time to remove the front axles
I was surprised to find this spacer. Don't think I'll be putting it back on unless those are factory on the 4.6?
Pads and rotors are in real good shape. There was no groove at all on the rotors, so the pads slipped right off.
Removing tie outer tie-rod. Tension strut came off using the same tool.
For the control arm, I had to step up to a larger puller.
Inner CV joint Looks to have been packed well when serviced last.
I take it these clips are not reusable? Is there a special tool to be used to "crimp" them on when replacing them?
Driver side front axle removed
Steering knuckle re-attached loosely. I'll need to put the front wheels back on to roll the truck back when it comes time to pull the engine.
It doesn't look like the inner CV housing is going to clear the frame (the other side looks even worse). I wonder what it will take to remove those?
That's all I got done today as I wasn't able to start until around 4pm due to other obligations, which I also have tomorrow unfortunately, but I hope to at least be able to pull out the other front axle tomorrow.
Oh, on the valve covers, I had them powder coated when I did the gaskets last year.
