Need Big Socket

TheGeneral

New Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Location
Wilmington
So Im getteing ready to replace the balljoints on my 97 ram 3500. I need the socket that gets the big nut off from inside the brake disk so I can pull the axle shafts out. I think its 1 and 11/16 . I cant find one anywhere and I really dont want to buy an entire set. Any body know of a good place to find one?
 
im not sure how much different the design is between the dodge and the unit bearing on our little jeeps, but if i were replacing ball joints i wouldnt remove that nut, just unbolt the unit bearing and pull it out with shaft still attached
 
awspence said:
im not sure how much different the design is between the dodge and the unit bearing on our little jeeps, but if i were replacing ball joints i wouldnt remove that nut, just unbolt the unit bearing and pull it out with shaft still attached
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yes you can do that on the dodge, or if you really want the socket you can get it from Napa for like $25, it is a 1 11/16"
here is good write up on changing you balljoints http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/balljoint.php
 
Northern has big sockets for under $15.

That write-up is missing one BIIIIG thing - How do get the axle shaft out without destroying the POS unit bearing.

General - search on the DTR for write-ups on how to free the axle shaft without killing the bearing.. Those fawking things ain't cheap!
 
If its like the 1/2 ton ram I would just pull the axle shaft with the unit bearing. It will give you more room to work. Also go to autozone and rent a balljoint press if you do not have one.
 
So pulling the unit bearing with the shaft dosent require pulling off the big nut? I did a quick search on TDR but didnt come up with anything good right off. Im going to go back and search later when I have more time, but how is the process different for pulling the shaft and bearing together?
 
yes, you can pull it all as one assembly. sears sells large sockets also.
 
i've never heard anything about a special procedure for removing the unit bearing? i changed a bunch of shafts in my 44 and never runined one. i only replaced one in ~65-70k miles, but the remaining stock one was worn out when i sold the axle.

also, isn't it just the 60's that have 4 bolts Lee? all the 44's i've seen had 3 iirc.
 
Northern Tool and Equipment sales big sockets. A buddy just got one for the pinion nut on his dana 60.
 
Also just to mention it, for those who have these unit bearing/shaft setups...

The best time to break the nut free is BEFORE you break your junk on the trail... When your around somewhere who has the correct size socket and break bar etc.. Pull the cotter pin etc.. and when the weight of the rig is on the ground, snap em free and then tighten it back up...

Doesn't hurt to lossen the unit bearing bolts also, they can get really tight in there.. In the rain on a muddy trail isn't the time to realize it :)
 
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