Hey guys, I'm getting ready to swap out my front axle and was just wondering if there is anything that I should be aware of before I get started ( like any stubborn bolts that may need to soak a day or two in pb, or any special tools I may need).
Thanks,
Dan

 

All I can think of is.... having another axle to put in place of the old one.

 

The worst thing I have run into when removing the front axle is the stupid torx bolts that the factory used on the upper control arms. I have had some that were easy to remove and one that I had to grind the heads of the bolts off and get new ones. Even if they come out easy, do yourself a favor and replace them with some standard grade 8 hex head bolts.

 

true, those awful "flag" bolts, they always strip.. make sure you replace those with real bolts. other then that you should be fine with your basic tools, a couple jacks, and some jackstands.

 

okay, so will soaking the upper control arm bolts with pb help them loosen? What did you use to grind bolt heads off? can I use a dremel if I have to? or is this a good excuse to buy an angle grinder?

 

will I need to rent some coil compressors?

 

you should be able to drop the axle out without coil compressors, once the sway bars shocks, control arms and steering are all disconnected, it basically will drop out, it would be nice to have an angle grinder, sawsall ect, just incase but not essential, honestly i would spray everything with some pb just incase, i used about 2 cans over two weeks before i did mine and it just made it easier, depends on the amount of rust also, be sure to have some extra buddies and beer, makes it alot nicer to have some extra hands take your time its not hard just a little time consuming

 

that has been my new motto lately believe it or not haha

 

got it all installed and good to go. way easier than I thought. with enough jacks and jack stands I'm convinced you can do just about any car repair by yourself. Thanks for all the help.

 

glad to hear