I had a post in the suspension forum about my 1997 4x4 steering problem. I found out that it was the passenger outside Cv joint going bad because the boot had broken. It is now loose and rattles a lot when I'm driving. I made it home by leaving it in 4wd and keeping my speed under about 15mph.
I need to replace the CV and I have a few questions.

1. I haven't checked with ford for cost on the part, but I'm wondering what the difference is between an autozone part or a ford part?

2. How hard is it to change? I've seen some people say that if you can change your brake rotors you can change the halfshaft. Do I need to remove the hub or will it just pull out the front?
3. When I order a CV boot will it come with the grease I need?

3.What is the exact procedure for taking the CV off? I've done a search but the only thing I've come up with is a general understanding of how to do it and my hayes manual isn't very useful.

 

well dude for one thing Ford is always going to be more exspensive. And your going to have to take the hub off. But other then that im not sure but i beleive that it may come as one peace because the CV boot will already have to be on the shaft so you may get the shaft too.

 

I know that the ford is going to be more expensive, i'm just wondering if there is any difference in quality to justify the added expense?

 

it is very easy to do, and no you dont have to take off the hub, if you have rims that have a center cap you dont even need to take off the tire. here is what you will need to do

1. take off the 6-8 bolts that hold the CV shaft to the front diff/axle
2. remove center cap off from rim or remove tire
3. take off stub shaft nut on the end (might need deepwell 29mm i think)
4. it makes it easer if you remove one side of the swaybar end link, this is not required but i had to do it to get the half shaft (CV) out, if the splined end dont want to come out hit it with a rubber mallet.

it is very easy to do and if you have done it before it only takes about 30 min, and if you buy one from autozone/pep boys should only cost around $100 with core charge also it should come with a lifetime warrenty. good luck

 

X2

I bought one from Advance Auto a few months back and it was just shy of $70. Very easy to replace, although you will probably spend more than a few minutes pounding on it with a hammer. You just have to take out the bolts holding it on the differential side, let the halfshaft hang, and start beating on the splined end with a BFH. If I recall correctly, I think I did unbolt my sway bar also.

Oh and that spindle nut is 35MM.