Removing Front cv shaft
 

Im sorry if there is a full write up on this but I couldnt find one specifically for it. How hard is it to remove the cv shaft? I was out 4xin today and jammed a friggin log between my lower arm and the cv boot on the passenger side. Ripped it to shreds! Any help appreciated. 2003 FX4

take the tire off, unhook the shock from the LCA unbolt the caliper. to take the nut off of the CV you will need a 1-1/4 socket. then pop the CV out of the Diff. the CV just clips in. then tap the end of the CV where the nut is out with a hammer.

Thats it? No special tools needed at all?

nope, no special tools, its very easy ... make sure you have an oil pan to catch some diff fluid, sometimes it will leak out.

How long does it take and how much you figure it would cost to be done at a shop? And are there any snap rings at all?

snap ring? IIRC there is one on the end of the CV that is what holds it in the diff. you can just pop it out.

total time? if the tools are out and the wheel is off 20 min tops?

for a shop to do it?
3-4 hours

3-4 hrs. shop time translates to what... like 250 bucks?

Wow. Thats insane. They spend 3-4 hours on it?

They charge you for 3-4 hours... There's like a set number of hours each certain job is said to take, so they know how much to estimate labor charges for.

I went to a shop today and they estimated 2- 3 hours. He said theres no way the cv shaft can come out the stearing knuckle. And I looked and cant quite understand it either. So whats up with that?

when I did my cv, I had to drop the steering knuckle. but mine also may be a bit different. on my 98 I have a retarded plastic retaining ring, then only thing holding my cv in. Im a ford fan, but the engineers werent thinking of strength on this one. the 4wd hubs are the same, held in my plastic prongs. actually just lost one of my avm hubs because of it.

Check this out.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...ad.php?t=53863
I had my entire front housing out and on a bench in about an hour and a half. And I am no whizz mechanic by any means. The cv shafts are easy.
1. Properly secure vehicle, block off tires ect...
2. Take the passenger side tire off.
3. crank your wheel all the way to the right.
4. Remove brake caliper.
5. Undo ~200 ft lb axle nut 1 1/4"
6. Take out the bolt holding the ball joint to the upper arm.
7. Knuckle will fall down.
8. Remove shock
9. Pull CV out, you may have to gently pry between the housing and CV to get it loose.
Installation is reverse.
It really is easy. I carry a spare long side CV on the trail with me, along with a 1 1/4" socket.
Also shop around for your CV shaft. Kragen quoted me almost $200. A local independant shop got me one with no core charge for $45.
RockAuto.com has them listed for $54 each.