I need to replace the front axle u-joints on my 2003 3500 4x4. Do I need to pop the u-joints to get the axle out, or just remove the hub? I never had one apart, so any advice would be appreciated. I have done u-joints, but never pulled axles. Thanks!

 

Hey Arbo,.. I just finished changing all 4 balljoints, all tie rods and sleeves on the steering linkage, (RS-5000 stabalizer shock as well), and ALL the brake components, on my 1995 Dodge Ram 1500-4x4. I beiieve the 3500 would be the same,..and "YES", the axle pulls out as one complete unit, (consisting of bearing hub, u-joint and axle), after removing the 3 bolts. **pull axle out gently while trying to hold axle portion straight and steady even so you dont damage your axle oil seal, located at the rear of your axle shaft,(by the diff housing..."pumkin") on the way out. ***Upon re-assembly,..use a flashlight and peek down the axle tube and make sure your recieving ring gear is centered,..if not..use a long "something" to centre it,..and remember to grease the axle splines before reassembly. *(The three bearing hub bolts on my 1500 were torqued to: 110 ft. lb., your 3500 might be 140 ft.lb., check your manual), good luck.

 

Great write up... I'm in need of changing the ball joints, axle u-joints, and tie rods. I was just wondering what system you were using with the heim joints? Looks nice.

 

here it is... http://www.thurenfabrication.com/crossover.html

truck drives like it has a hook in the road... no wandering of anykind

 

Hey Steve, I live in moorpark, are you Thuren? We may have spoken before about a 2006 2500 I was going to buy. Well, I did and was told I need upper and lower ball joints. If you are the same maybe I could swing by and get your take. I think the thing drives pretty well though.

E mail robrubin@sbcglobal.net or call 818 216 2162

 

Just read your profile so I do not believe you are the guy from Thuren. Out of curiosity why did you not go with the lowers from Carli?

 

nope not Don Thuren... He's in Santa Barbra last I heard. When I did my ball joints there were no Carli lowers... otherwise they'd be on there

 

Finished putting ball joints and u-joints in my 2003 2500 4x4. It was a 3 day ordeal. Left side was a pain. Hub didn't want to come out, ball joints didn't want to come out or go back in. Right side came apart pretty easily and went together almot as easy. I broke my abs sensor on the right side though. The plastic housing came apart and stuck inside the hub. I fixed that yesterday.

Only one suggestion on the write up. One of your first steps is to remove the tie rod end but you need it connected when turning the steering wheel to help pop out the hub.

I am lobbying to have this post stickied in a DIY in the truck section.

 

Where can someone get a DECENT ball joint press? I've got the one from AutoZone, and even with a 2' breaker bar on the pusher screw, I can't even budge the ball joint. The c-frame is definitely bent. I've tried heating the axle and still no luck.

Now I have a severly damaged thread on the upp ball joint and cannot re-assemble either.

Internet searches for ball joint presses keep resulting in the same C-frame garbage. Probably 4-5 different "brand names" but all of them look like the exact same press.

Very Grumpy

 

here's one from summit... http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SPS-72509/