huge undertaking

[digglesworth]

So tomorrow I'm diving into the most extensive work I've done to my truck. I've got pads and rotors, 4 axle seals, 16mm tie rods and an OD steering rack kit. I've never pulled rear axles before, cv shafts seem pretty straight forward and the rack is new territory for me as well. Should be an interesting day to say the least.

 

[digglesworth]

One thing.... Is it bad to work on vehicles in sub freezing conditions? We're going from 50s today to teens tomorrow. I have a space heater for the garage but didn't know if it was bad to wrench in frigid temps. I gotta work on my truck in my grandpa's garage so the truck will get good and warmed up on the drive over in the morning. Might be a stupid question but thought I'd bring it up...

 

[chaos254]

Its not bad, its just more difficult for you if its that cold. I hate working in the cold lol

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Highatop]

The only thin worst then the cold is workin in the cold and on the ground outside. Good luck and make sure you have atleast a 12 pack waitin for you when your done.

 

[954paulo]

X2


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[digglesworth]

I dunno if I'm retarded or what but I cannot get the cv shaft to pull out on the diff side.

 

[06 H3]

Pry bar the edge of the CV on the diff bracket it will come out

 

[digglesworth]

I didn't realize you had to pull that hard. I almost fell backwards on my @$$ giving it a good jerk..lol

 

[digglesworth]

Well I got the front drivers side axle seal changed and brakes done. Going to the front passenger side now. Had to go get new slide pins and get my new rotors checked for runout. Off to a slow start... Hopin the passenger side goes quicker.

 

[06 H3]

it should, its a learning process. I used to be very slow and now that I have done it so many times I am much quicker

 

[Reloader]

If you have any questions about replacing your rear axle seals just ask or pm me. Im home with a bum ankle for a few days so I can get back to you quickly.

 

[digglesworth]

Well I'm on to the steering rack now. Got the front brakes on, both front axle seals changed. Just gotta tighten up the hub nuts on either side. Just pulled the column off the rack and disconnected the lines. It's draining now and I'm gonna pull the rack. Should at least have the front half of the vehicle done tonight. Reloader, I may take you up on that once I get the rear opened up...

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

you took your 4x4 apart just before a winter storm.....

excellent!

I just got my back together (whew).... however, in the interest of full disclosure, I also have an awd bmw wagon, and Land rover, and a 4x4 lifted chevrolet pickup - so I certainly won't be stuck even if the '3 is down

HOWEVER
there is a story behind my 4 wheel drive team. I used to have just one - and it snowed 3' in one night. I figured (smuggly) that I could break the road out with my 4x4 then drive out in my company astro van. Uh, no. I always wondered what the clicking sound I heard from the front was - I learned - as the back tires spun and the fronts were doing nothing.... the drive shaft splines were stripped. I made it another 10' before I loud 'BANG' ended all progress. I took 4 teeth off the rear ring gear. For those counting I went from 4wd to 0wd in 10' I had to use the van to pull the truck back into the yard. Then, after turning around under a large douglas fir, I proceeded to drive from my home to work without a problem. I didn't even need to break out the road. Since then, I've had options.

 

[digglesworth]

3'..?!?! Holy crap. People here would lose their mind with 3' of snow. They go crazy with 3"... I had to do it now. I've been putting it off for a few months while my collarbone heals. I should be getting my release to go back to work on Thursday and once I start working again, it's not as easy to do major projects. I'm a signal maintainer for a railroad and I'm on call the majority of the time. I do have a company truck but I have no garage at home so I go borrow my grandparents garage.

 

[Reloader]

I sent you a pm on doing your axle seals. Let me know if you didnt get it. Have fun.

 

[digglesworth]

All I can say is I'M GLAD THAT'S OVER!!! not that I didn't have fun, it was just a lot to do in one sitting. But it's done. Truck just got dropped off at firestone to get the toe set and check the rest of the alignment. Many thanks to Reloader and 06H3. Thanks for answering the PMs and helping a newbie out.

 

[evldave]

you took your 4x4 apart just before a winter storm.....

excellent!

I just got my back together (whew).... however, in the interest of full disclosure, I also have an awd bmw wagon, and Land rover, and a 4x4 lifted chevrolet pickup - so I certainly won't be stuck even if the '3 is down

HOWEVER
there is a story behind my 4 wheel drive team. I used to have just one - and it snowed 3' in one night. I figured (smuggly) that I could break the road out with my 4x4 then drive out in my company astro van. Uh, no. I always wondered what the clicking sound I heard from the front was - I learned - as the back tires spun and the fronts were doing nothing.... the drive shaft splines were stripped. I made it another 10' before I loud 'BANG' ended all progress. I took 4 teeth off the rear ring gear. For those counting I went from 4wd to 0wd in 10' I had to use the van to pull the truck back into the yard. Then, after turning around under a large douglas fir, I proceeded to drive from my home to work without a problem. I didn't even need to break out the road. Since then, I've had options.

/OFFTOPIC

3' ... my guess was winter of 96/97? We had 4'+ drifts up in Bellingham...my '69 Nova was going nowhere

/ONTOPIC