move it somewhere else. disconnecting the nut at the top of the UCA allows the whole spindle to rotate down. disconnecting the nut at the tie rod allows the spindle to swivle. if you have your jack under the LCA, the spindle cant move. relocate it to under the frame just behind the wheel

 

I think I'm gonna move it, lol.

 

Yep move it to make you safe and so you have access.
AL.

 

Well I've been pounding on the spindel since my last post and have yet to break the seal between the upper control arm or the tie rod end. Might see if a friend has one of the wedge forks...or get a bigger hammer

 

Allright guys...a much appreciated thank you for all you help. I got the upper control arm off and tie rod. Slipped the axel far enough back to get to the bolts and presto hub assembly off. And barely had to work it off which was a blessing

 

Great news bud.
I knew it would work out for you.
Just make SURE, that you re-torque all the bolts to the correct values ESPECIALLY the large hub nut.
Improper torqing of that, can lead to CV axle failure apparantly.
Al.

 

I'm glad you brought that up. i was gonna ask if anyone had the torque spec's for all the bolts. I've heard that the axel nut is 180pds. But have no idea on the others.

thanks

 

Here you go straight from the 2004 Dodge Manual for a 1500 4x4:


1) Install the hub/bearing into the steering
knuckle and tighten the bolts to 163 N·m (120 ft.
lbs.)

2) Install the upper ball joint nut to the steering
knuckle and tighten to 54 N·m (40 ft. lbs.) (on 1500
series only an additional 90° turn).

3) Install the tie rod end nut to the steering
knuckle and tighten to 61 N·m (45 ft. lbs.) then an
additional 90°.

4) Install the halfshaft nut and tighten to 251
N·m (185 ft. lbs.).

So your WAY out on your halfshaft nut.
It MUST be torqued to that value for reasons mentioned above and by advice from some CV half shaft manufacturers.

See here:
http://cardone.com/english/club/Prod...%2060-0002.pdf
And
http://cardone.com/english/club/Prod...%2060-0004.pdf
Plus:
http://cardone.com/english/club/Prod...%2060-0001.pdf

Hope all this helps?
Al.

 

Perfect...that's what I was looking for. Again, much appreciation

Kevin

 

No probs Kev.
Good luck on the repairs bud.
Al.