Replacing front axle u-joints

[SuburbanDave]

OK....it looks like I'm going to have to replace the front axle u-joints on my 88 Suburban 4x4 (after 180,000 miles). I have not done this before...so I'm looking for any tips and tricks anyone might have for me.  Will I need any special tools for this?  How much time should I allocate...hours? days?  Any help would be appreciated!!

 

Dave

[95 Silverado]

I'm guessing your '88 suburban still uses the solid front axle, it doesn't share the independent suspension used in the '88 trucks. changing the u-joints is not hard, getting the axles out to do it is a lot of work though. With that many miles, it would be a good idea to replace the axle seals also. to remove the axles you have to disassemble both axle ends to slide the axle out of the housing, to access the left side axle seal you have to remove the differential cage (the seal is in the end of the tube by the ring and pinion, not out by the wheel where you would expect it to be) once the axles are out, just remove the old u-joints and replace with the new ones. if you tear the differential apart, be sure you put the shims back in the same side you removed them from, as this sets the backlash on your ring and pinion. the nuts that hold the wheel bearings in place require a special socket, you may want to get one, along with a torque wrench. I don't think you would need any other special tools.