Here is the process of assembly that worked for me, never having done this repair before... After pre loading the front ball (Using 8-12 lbs) of torque, I set that aside and proceeded to set the tube in place with the help of two jack stands... The next step was to install the front u-joint and bolt it in place. After that, I could slide the front section of the tube with the ball, collar, and gaskets in place and just snug the 4 bolts up... Immediately afterward you must slide the entire tube forward for fitment of the center section...
Once that is done, you can raise or swing the center section (tube) into place and line up the yokes and spider together...As you line everything up, now it is the time to slide the bearings into the spider and set the locks in place... As I recall, the chamfered side of the bearings must face inward on installation... Before closing everything together, I partially filled the ball with grease...
The final step entailed sliding the ball and collar forward to meet with the center support... Once that is done, you can push everything upward and hang it in place but loosely... Before you go all the way up, it helps to put together the six collar bolts and close everything up... Then snug the two 3/4" mounting bolts slowly until you're in place... At that point, finish tightening up the 6 bolts and determine if you need the four gaskets in the kit, or just three... I ended up using only three gaskets.. Better put them all in place. You can always remove one by cutting it, but you can't add more unless you take everything apart again!...;(
I hope this helps the next poor devil making this repair... I should have the complete photos tomorrow..
