I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 4 wheel drive with a bad universal on the drivers side front end.....Can anyone tell me how to relpace it....seems esy to get at but I never replaced one and dont know how it comes out..thanks

 

Welcome to D.Forum. You mite ask the guys on the 2nd gen. forum. They can help you.

 

Welcome to the site. I will move this thread to the second generation Ram section,
FF

 

im doing mine as well...you need to take apart the hub assembly to be able to slide the axle shaft out....then you'll need a vice grip or what not to be able to get the yokes back together for the new one...

 

It's easy if it isn't rusted to heck.
Get some breaker spray of choice, a breaker bar, a socket for your nut, and some anti-seize. Get all that before you start. There should be a write up on here somewhere.

 

to me the only pita was the spindle nut i swear they use semi-truck impact wrenches on them dad blasted things but after that it was easy to get the joint itself out

 

i snapped my1/2 in breaker on the hub nut, i bought a 3/4 in breaker bar and an extra 2 1/2 feet of 1 in piping for leverage...and it cracked free with ease

 

welcome. here you go.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-5.html

 

before I pull anything out....I want to know about the axle....seems to be a little lose in the conduit going to the transfer case.....is this something to be concerned about?

 

the axle is significantly smaller than the axle tube, and it doesn't touch the tube at all. its mounted at the hub, and slides into the side gears of the carrier.

at the inside edge of the dif and the cad are the oh-so-precious oil seals. when you remove and reinsert the axles, you want to be VERY GENTLE with them. its very easy to tear them, and then you'll be tearing it apart again.