Lots of front end work!!

bfr44 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-14-2011, 01:53 PM

Got a list of work to do on the front end of my 97 f350. Break calipers, u joints, tie rod ends, ball joints, and wheel bearings with seals. Any one want to give me any advise?
Thanks Hunter

**Fordman247365** · #2 (**permalink**) 03-14-2011, 04:01 PM

Not sure what kind of advise you are looking for, not going to be a 2 hour job but still easy to do. Alot of unbolt and replace. If you are scared of the hubs/bearings dont be, lay it all out in the order that it comes out. Easy job.

bfr44 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-14-2011, 05:01 PM

Thanks for reply Fordman. Just what I needed is someone to say you can do it. Only one question. I did the ball joints a couple years ago and not sure if I should do them again. In order to get the shafts out to do the u joints, do I have to take the knuckle off?

Thanks

**Fordman247365** · #4 (**permalink**) 03-14-2011, 05:09 PM

You will have the axles out to do the ball joints

If you are a lil rusty at wrenching only plan for doing one side at a time to get your feet wet again

One trick that I do to get the spindle off.....I lay 2 2x4's (short) on top of one another (yes smarta$$es a 4x4 will do the same) and lay that on the spindle and hit the 2x4 with about a 2 lb hammer, no damage to anything and the spindle should break free easily......dont miss or drop 2x4

**Fordman247365** · #5 (**permalink**) 03-14-2011, 05:11 PM

OOPS, just figured out what you were sayin lol
If you are NOT doing ball joints, no you dont need to take the whole knuckle off, just the spindle and the axle will slide out

**dhanna6powerstroke** · #6 (**permalink**) 03-14-2011, 05:24 PM

I just did this on my Uncle's 94. When I went to take the spindle off, I just reinstalled the rotor, outer bearing and retaining nut and then took a 4 lb. hammer and smacked the back side of the rotor to knock the spindle loose. I was replacing the rotors and bearings anyway so it didn't matter if I damaged them.

bfr44 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011, 12:46 PM

Thanks guys I did the rotors last spring so I will try not to beat the rotor that hard. Wished I had done it all then but was low on the cash flow. I noticed the other day the front tires on the inside have more ware and they have a little side to side play. Figured it's time for some wheel bearings, seals, and tie rod ends.