Looking to figure out how to replace my front brake dust shields on my 2005 ram 2500. It seems like it was taken off from the previous owner and all I can find is how to install the rears or how to take them off

 

Unfortunately you have to pull the hub assembly. Around the 12min mark.

 

thank you so much, I was looking and looking lol, I bought dust shield lights and earlier I tested them out and was in love with the but when I started getting things together I realized the previous owner must of took them off

 

They tend to be one of the first things that rust out, and disappear.

 

The hub bearings tend to be difficult to remove, if you want to reuse them do not pound on the axle flange.

 

I saw a technique where a mechanic took an OLD brake rotor and installed it backwards (top hat outwards) onto a hub that he was replacing, and then he hit that with a BFH... not only does it give you something sacrificial to conveniently whack, it gives your hits more leverage.

 

...BUT, presoak with a good penetrant like PB Blaster.
... and consider the appropriate application of torch heat, heating the hub flange receiver (the steering knuckle) to make it enlarge while avoiding heating the hub flange insert.

 

That would be equivalent to beating on the axle flange, from the bearings perspective. Better to push/hammer on the bolts that secure the bearing housing to the steering knuckle.