Newbie Dives In - Part Deux (CV joints)
 

Apologies in advance, I have no pics of this all-day affair. It would have been impossible to handle a camera anyways, since I was covered head to toe in grease and oil!

I knew my truck needed CV joint work, the driver's side was clicking terribly and the passenger side had a small tear on the outboard boot but still seemed to have some grease (and no clicking).

I purchased an aftermarket CV Joint for $125 and a boot kit for $16. I also got some new lower/upper bushings since I was going to be in there, why not.

I tackled the Valve Gasket replacement in my driveway and on my own 2 weeks ago. Research on this forum told me I needed tools and skillz that my driveway garage couldn't provide. So, off to my father-in-laws who is a master mechanic with over 55 years experience.

I won't bore you with all the details on the 8 hour project but I will highlight the points where we got stopped.

Breaking the hub: this was a beyaawtch! But we got it done with several strikes from a 4lb sledge. When we pulled the old CV axle out on the driver's side the receiver end stayed with the tranny (cuplike part of axle, mates to tranny). We knew a small clip was holding it in but couldn't get any grip on the damn receiver to break it out. Finally, crude but simple hole was drilled into the cup. Attached a 5ft chain. Thread the 4lb sledge through end of chain, pulled and voila -- detached!

The biggest hurdle and 2 hour delay came installing the new aftermarket axle. I don't know if OEM would work smoother or be worth the ten-fold additional cost (??) but this aftermarket axle did NOT want to fit into the hub splines. We finally got it fitted after: a) filing down all the splines on the axle and hub; b) using a sledge to hammer it in, about a dozen hard strikes worked in on.

The CV boot kit for the passenger side was a breeze after all this. We did not remove the hub on passenger side, broke the axle at the hub joint and slid the new boot on, repacked grease and re-assembled.

Likewise, my father-in-law has a hydraulic press (he has everything!) so pressing out and replacing bushings was ez and fast.

I'm a desk worker so the next day I could barely walk, but this 8 hour ordeal was worth it. The truck drives beautifully now. Thanks to this site for all the help. I wouldn't recommend the CV axle replacement unless you have a good set of tools and above-average skills. I don't but family member does.