2005 dakota slt with 4.7L 4wd

 

 

let me guess, you have never done this, right?

 

Apparently, neither have you......

Would be nice if this were actually in the correct section..... So, I'll move it there.

I haven't done one either, but, my guess would be, you need to separate at least one of the ball joints, so you can get the axle out of the hub, and then it will either unbolt, or just slide out of the differential. (might require a bit of convincing.)

 

 

Thanks, now that helps. I have actually done this before, was hoping maybe someone had a trick or two to make it easier. also, I'm seeing that the inboard connection at the axle has a lot of movement in the spline. is this normal?

 

 

Just completed this repair, jkeaton is correct but i'll give a little more detail ... Assuming you have the wheel off and caliper removed, next unbolt stab bar (both sides) and the tie rod. You'll need to jam a pry bar into the rotor and caliper mount to immobilize the wheel while you break the axle nut loose. Unscrew bolt up to the end of axle but don't remove yet, you will probably have to tap on the axle with a BFH and the nut will protect your threads. Remove the upper control arm, this will drop the steering knuckle with bearing assembly down. Cut the CV boot strap at the inner and at this point you might be able to wrestle the axle out. If not pull the lower bolt strut mount ... that should give you all the room you need. Repack CV with grease. Reverse these steps.