i am changing the ball joints on my "03 3500 4wd. i was wondering if i need to remove the axle nut or if i could pull it all out in one piece? i dont have a 1 11/16 socket.

thank you.

 

Yes the axle nut will have to come off-------before you get started, you might want to take a look at the FSM, which you can down load for free from Weedahoe. You'll also want to rent a ball joint press, and before its over, replace the bearing hubs and axle u-joints-----which also may lead to the differential axle seals inside the pumpkin.

I don't know where you live, but if the front end has been exposed to Northern Tier winters with salt, the hubs may be a real challenge to get out
Read up first!!!!

Good Luck!!!!

 

I didnt know if it could be taken out in one piece.

Thanks

 

Well I figured out a few things today. You do not need to remove the axle bolt and hub to replace the ball joints.

Second. when you are removing the ball joints after you get the press tight and under presure hit the top of the press where you put the socket. It will (at least for me) pop and keep doing that till its out. I had the upper out in under 5min. The lower would have been as quick if the press was big enough. The spacers were to short.

 

Glad to hear they came out easy for you, much easier than mine