I have had everything apart twice now trying to replace my drivers side u joint for the 4x4.
I get stuck every time trying to remove the sleeve that covers the axle shaft. The bolts come off really easy, but the sleeve is seized hard to the truck. I just spent over an hour with an air chisel but I had to concede defeat and put everything back together and give up.
Am I missing something? Is there a proper tool, or way to get that off?
Any help is appreciated. I want to do this myself, but unless someone has a magic solution I will be forced to pay someone to fix it.
I hate that thought...

 

I presume you mean you can't get the spindle out of the knuckle ?
It fits into that circle pretty tight and corrosion will lock it pretty good.
Heating the knuckle around the outside of the spindle really helps.
I've found that with real stubborn ones, if I put an old set of spindle nuts (the ones that hold the wheel bearings in) back onto the threads to protect them, tapping on those - from all directions working around, it will free it up. Just keep heating and tapping, be real careful not to damage the threads.
Once you get the spindle out, clean everything up real good with a wire wheel in case you ever have to take it off again.
You should also grab a new spindle bearing seal, there's a bearing inside that needs grease and the seal will be toast (bearing might be too).

 

Don't go crazy hammering on that thing - just tap tap tap - one side, the other side, top, bottom. Patience and a little heat, she'll pop loose.
I just thought I should say that.

 

For u-joints, I use a ball joint press. Easy and pain free.

 

Thanks Chris. Hopefully the third time will be the charm.

 

I get mine out with a hammer and chisel (one small enough that it can fit well in the gap). 3-4 good hits in one spot between the spindle and knuckle, move the chisel over a bit, 3-4 more hits, move, just keep going around in a circle until it finally gives.

 

A brief update. After a round of night shifts at work I finally had a chance to get back at the truck. I am very proud to say, that thanks to all of your tips, it has come off.
The axle is on my bench and ready for a new u joint in the morning.

 

If you got it out without a Press, now you know why people use a press to remove these. I had to do them trailside for the Jeep.

 

Yeah, got it out without a press. It was a little hard mostly due to age I think though. My problem now is the parts guy gave me the wrong u joint, and my wife is gone with the car...