Quote Originally Posted by nfpgasmask View Post
You do not need to drop the whole front axle to change just the boots. The half shafts can be removed and cleaned also without dropping the front axle. You or you mech will just have to pull apart the entire hub/knuckle and the brakes so you can get in there and clean out the inner cup.
Bart
I agree, with one exception.

You don't need to disassemble the hubs/bearings, just the 6 allen head bolts & the outer drive flange, then the outer snap ring, & pull the half shaft out of the front hub.

This is, of course, after unbolting the lower ball joint & pulling the inner knuckle out of the green cup...

FWIW, it is FAR easier to grease & reboot the outer half shafts in a vice, rather than in place under the truck, & only entails the removal of the 6 allen bolts & the snap ring to get to that point.
You can get all but one band in place with this method, while standing at your work bench, then pack the green cup with grease, pre grease the inner knuckle, & smoosh it in there, adding a bit more grease before applying the final inner (green cup) band.