Replacing axle u joint. DIY Job? What's entailed?

[Vanhalen1985]

Working on my 72 K10 with a dana 44 front. I've discovered that my axle u-joints in the front wheels are completely shot and need to be replaced, I have experience replacing u-joint in drives shafts but never the axle joints.

What's entailed in getting to these? Removal of the lockers, brakes, and hubs?

Trying to figure out if it's something I want to tackle on my own or take to a mechanic.

[Dieselwrencher]

Yes, you need to remove the lockouts, brake caliper, remove the hub retaining nuts, remove the hub and rotor. Unbolt the inner spindle and remove it. Then you can get to your axle shaft to remove it and replacing these u-joints is the same principle as a drive shaft. I like to use a ball joint press on them. We also have a u-joint press tool too. Or there's the sockets and vice trick that works too. Make sure you remove the inner retaining clips if your u joint caps have them before removal.

[Vanhalen1985]

Diesel Wrencher, thanks for the info. Do I need any specialty tools other than a hub socket and maybe some lock ring pliers?

Sounds like an all day job!

[Dieselwrencher]

Not that I remember. It's been a long time since I've been into a D44. I don't think you'll need any other special tools besides what you have listed. Also, wou might have to take the caliper mounting bracket off to get the rotor off but I can't remember on that. It's been about 8yrs since I've messed with the D44's.

[Vanhalen1985]

Got it taken care of. Only one side for now. Took about 4 hours for complete disassembly and reassemble

[Dieselwrencher]

Good deal!

[msgross]

did you replace or reuse the nuts that hold the spindle on? They have a pinch in them to lock them down? They should be replaced or locktite at a min...