Bushing and build update

I updated my build thread but wanted to share a few things I've worked on recently. It was interesting editing the thread from almost 3 years ago and seeing how my plans and thought processes evolved.

The truck is just about out of warranty so I feel better removing stock components now that I've got some life out of them. It has worked well to do these mods a week or so apart so I don't inadvertently blame my new tire rumble on driveshaft vibes.

When I installed my 6112/5160 setup I could not get the front axle half shaft out so I delyed the bushing for time constraints. I finally got it in last weekend. I highly recommend doing it while the coilover is out. There is very little room in there to swing a hammer or try to get leverage with a prybar.

I had to remove my front RCI skid to drain the front diff. I should have done that for the coilover install but thought it would be more work than it was. Front fluid was dirty looking and the magnet was full of break in shavings but there were none in the fluid. Cheap insurance to change it though. I did the rear at 15,000 and will do the transfer case at 30,000. I'm just over 28,000 now.

I used a combination of indexing prybars (pulling on opposite sides at the same time to avoid a sideload on the retaining ring), a bearing puller hook for my slide hammer, a pickle fork and a striking screwdriver to finally get the CV axle out.

I used a 35mm blind bearing puller collet and a small slide hammer to get the needle bearing out. That was much slower than EGCS's tool and cost about the same but I didn't damage the bearing. I used a bearing/bushing/seal driver set to push in the bushing. One of the cups from my ball joint press worked well to drive the new seal in.

See my build thread for pictures and other updates. I'm happy to answer any questions and looking forward to your comments.