The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Safety First, Pulling front Axle:

I am going to pull my front 3/4 ton axle, I have jack stands to hold truck in place. Any suggestions on how to be safe and not get crushed under my truck. I am going to install a 1/2 front axle. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I would support it by the frame,, just behind the axle hangers,,just under the front floorboards.
Then undo the "U" bolts holding the axle to the springs,along with the steering arms.
Then unbolt the front spring shackles,,lower the whole assembly
down to the driveway,and slide the front axle out.
Dont forget the obvious, brake lines,etc............
Good Luck,
Marty

Good quality Jack stands and hard level ground are a good start,a firmly applied parking brake and put it in gear and as an add-on chock your rear wheels as well.
Just be methodical and safe!

Watch out when you disconnect the steering arm, because that free's up the tie rod and the wheels will "flop" to the side... I found that out recently when I pulled the front end out of my 2-ton. Luckily I wasn't under it and I had my skidsteer to lift the truck off the front axle. Also a good idea to chock both rear tires in front AND behind. Any twisting at all will bring it off the jack stands.

Good luck, George

If your re-useing the leaf springs leave them connected to the frame, remove u-bolts, and axle.

Other wise, I removed mine as a whole package. Leaf springs and all. I left the wheels on and just rolled it out the front. I think it's easier to remove the springs and what not with it out from underneath the truck.

I removed the front axle, and springs Sunday, next is the steering gear box, I am going with new springs and mounting hardware, and a rebuilt steering gear box. I want to have peace of mind going down the road since this old truck been in hibernation for the past 20 years or so.