Lager tires acellerate front end wear. When I was replacing rubber on the 89 Sport I stopped and got a new joint. This was based on what I felt when I tested the stabiliy of the inner joint. When I turned the core in the tech, older, guy tested it to be sure I needed to spend the bucks and was amaized at how loose it was. Guess this is the consequense of used trucks. LOL if you can do it yourself you can replace all of the components on one side for less than a monthly payment for a new truck. Dont get me wrong on this one because I do realize the tools necessary that most guys dont have but I havnt seen any thing so far on the dak that I didnt have tools to do except ball joint tool. Thinking about that one if I had to replace my tools id need to hit the lottery!

 

Ya great tools can make any job easier. And like you said its cheaper than a new car payment.

As far as the CV axle goes, all you would need specialty wise is a 32mm socket and that is it.