how the hell do I get the axleshaft out of my 1997 dodge front end? I need to do a set of U joints on it, I have everything I can think of taken apart, and it won't budge. I don't want to break anything important, so please tell me what to do!

Pics to follow...

Thanks guys :beer:

torch?...try the 'dodge forum' one of them 'ram head's might be able to help...doubt it though...they're all posuers:flipoff2:

and I figured this would get a quicker response...

I got the big ass nut off, and took the bolts outta the back of the knuckle... I don't know what else to take apart, but a 2 jaw puller wouldn't take the flange or the hub off the axle...http://www.greatimage.com/foleydevelopments/IM000160.jpg http://www.greatimage.com/foleydevelopments/IM000161.jpg

From what I have seen, the tin benders prefer to use a winch:D

You need one of those big pullers that bolt on to the wheel studs.

You are onthe right track. Pull the hub nut, remove the 3 14mm 12pt bolts onteh back of the knuckle, then the rest should come apart.

You will most likely have to tap the sides of the hub at the knuckle (near the bolt holes to get the outer race to rotate and break free from the knuckle) Then start trying to walk it out of the housing. I had to use a crowbar once to get mine to come out.

You can not use a puller (that I can figure out) since the hubs and stuff are once piece. The outer shaft will slide right out of the hub once its free.

Here you can see how the hub fits into the knuckle:
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/hub05.jpg

Here you can see the back of the hub and what part is in the knuckle:
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/hub13.jpg

Email me if you need more info jasonb@pavementsucks.com

Originally posted by Pavemen
You are onthe right track. Pull the hub nut, remove the 3 14mm 12pt bolts onteh back of the knuckle, then the rest should come apart.

You will most likely have to tap the sides of the hub at the knuckle (near the bolt holes to get the outer race to rotate and break free from the knuckle) Then start trying to walk it out of the housing. I had to use a crowbar once to get mine to come out.

You can not use a puller (that I can figure out) since the hubs and stuff are once piece. The outer shaft will slide right out of the hub once its free.

Here you can see how the hub fits into the knuckle:
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/hub05.jpg

Here you can see the back of the hub and what part is in the knuckle:
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/hub13.jpg

Email me if you need more info jasonb@pavementsucks.com

Exactly what he said. You are almost there. Make sure you disconnect any ABS sensors if you have ABS. The entire unit bearing deal will slide out. Well you might have to convince it that it wants to come out. :D

I got the bearing segment out, now for the axle shaft, thanks for the help guys, I didn't want to apply too much force without knowing what I was doing.

Put the puller on there nice and hard, and tapped it with a hammer and it came right apart.

put a bunch of anti-sieze on the studs/bolts and the splines before you put it together...I put silicone Brake caliper lube on the o-ring area also.

and the tranny cooler is in, hopefully it will hold up to towing, it is ready now....

By the way, who told dodge that this was a good idea???

http://www.greatimage.com/foleydevelopments/IM000162.jpg

Look at that shaft! why build in a break point?

Ask Billavista - he managed to start a small war over this very subject.

always start with a manual,just the $15 ones help.....

The correct way to remove the unit bearing is to get an extra set of bolts, thread them into the hub about a 1/4" or so. Then use a BFH to drive the hub out of the spindle.

If you use a puller to remove the unit bearing by pulling on the hub(or by hammering on the hub) you run the risk of pulling the hub with the outer race out of the unit bearing. This can cause the seals in the unit bearing to be damaged.

When you reassemble the unit bearing onto the spindle put a pair of unit bearing retainer bolts with the heads ground off into the bearing to make it and the brake shield line up easy.

Clean the bearing and spindle off and put anti-sieze around the hub were it contacts the spindle so it comes off easy next time.