quetion on axle replace

[rustybutrusty87]

i have a 1987 pick up and i need to know how hard it is to replace a axle or am i better off bringing it to a shop and having them do it?

[seth]

If your just swapping in a different axel, its just 8 U bolt nuts, 2 for the shocks, then brake lines, and a tie rod end. pretty easy, supposing you can get the car in the air safely.

[rustybutrusty87]

its ifs

[seth]

Right, thats a bit harder.

[SKINNY_PEDAL]

its easy. i dont have a scanner but i could take pics of the pages out of the fsm for you. simple hand tools

[skittles]

first of all, are you replacing the front IFS differential or the rear axle on the truck? it's definately do-able either way, but the front has a more parts to take off

edit: damn you skittles, not signing off on my computer, haha

[Bloomcounty]

Replacing a front axle isn't bad as long as you have the right tools ! first thing ya do is jack it up take the tire off , put a jack stand under the front frame rails . then take the lock out off and remove the snap ring on the axle then you take the eight( I think) bolts off on the inside of the axle ( where it bolts to the diff.) then jack the A arm up level (level is very important ) with a jack and you'll have to shove the axle in so you can get it off the studs and pull it out (threw the A arm) ! becarful not to jack the truck up off the jack stand though !! good luck man .

[rustybutrusty87]

i really don't have the time to do it so im thinkin bring it to the local drive tran shop and have it done. but thanks for the directions