removing front axle to replace u-joints

I'm investigating replacing my front bushings and u-joints during the next week and have a couple of questions about doing the job:

NOTE: 1996 Jeep Cherokee (4.0L I6 - 92,000 miles) 4-speed auto. unknown which front axle but it's stock (how could I tell if needed info.)

1.) How do you remove the front drive axles to get the joints? I'm assuming they just slide out but I have yet to need to remove it.

2.) What tools are actually needed to do the balljoints and u-joints? Different articles on the internet say other things but I've come to believe that you will definately need the front end service kit to remove the ball joints but somebody claims that you do not need the special tools to remove the u-joint caps...is that true?

Any good articles out there to be referenced as a step by step. I have a Hayes manual but that things not good for much as it doesn't get nearly as into to depth as the internet articles.

Thanks,
Joe

Here's a good link that shows how to remove the front axle shafts.

http://jeep.off-road.com/jeep/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=257794


For replacing the ball joints you will definately need the ball joint removal kit that most parts stores have a tool rental program and can get for about 150. When getting the lower ball joints make sure they're the ones without the grease nipples as those were for the 2wd and will not work in 4wd.

thanks for the info., however, I think you linked the wrong article. The link is for removing the hub assembly. Could you please check again.

Thanks.

thanks for the info., however, I think you linked the wrong article. The link is for removing the hub assembly. Could you please check again.

Thanks.

You have to remove the hubs to change u-joints. The three bolts that hold the hub to the knuckle must come out.

That shows you how to remove the hubs to change the u joints and bearings if you need to remove the axle shaft from that point remove the plastic ring at the end of the axle tube and the shaft slides straight out.

You have to remove the hubs to change u-joints. The three bolts that hold the hub to the knuckle must come out.

BTW..this is not a easy job and will require some special tools.

The main tools that you will need is the 36mm socket which can be hard to find, either a 1/2 or 3/4 inch drive breaker bar (I used 3/4 so I knew it had plenty of strength), ball joint seperator, BFH, ball joint service kit, plenty of grease, a six pack and buddy to help, and ALOT of patience. It took me about 8 hours to remove and replace the uppper and lower balljoints in the front of my 92 4x4, would have been less but kept having to go back to the parts store to pick up something i forgot. After that day they know me on a first name basis. But we're here to help if you have any questions just let us know.

I just wanted to to thank everyone for the help. The balljoint replacmeent and U-joint replacment went well. I got some help from my dad and PB Blaster and everything was pretty easy except for the U-joints which I bought from Quadratec were THE WRONG ONES...oh well, I got to support a local mom and pop automotive store.

Thanks again !

Joe