Doesn't seem to be that difficult

 

It isn't difficult to change them out, the how to in the tech section outlines the procedure pretty well. The sad part is that one has to take apart the front suspension to get them out. It sounds like Bolbol's front suspension has been torn down recently - that would have been the opportune time to replace them... As they say, hindsight is 20/20 though. I would put in new axle seals with the new half shafts though too, for under $20.00 it's good insurance not to have to tear things down again. My $0.02...

 

Yeah will do, thanks. And as much as I like original parts I think I'll go with $40 axles as opposed to the $600 Ac Delco package. Even if it breaks again at least replacing it will be cheap

 

if your getting them from rock auto at least get the one with a heart next to it

 

I've used the new ones from Autozone, haven't had any problems yet. And, am just buttoning things up after installing some from Cardone select in a different blazer... They look nice, we shall see how they hold up! I think I paid like $55ish per side for the Cardone and don't remember the price of the autozone, $70ish maybe...
Have fun

 

Whats the deal with the ones with a heart?
The Cardone selects have a heart next to them and I was advised to buy EMPI instead

 

Replacing either side CV axle stube is the same amount of work.

Quick summary for a 4WD:
Raise front end, remove tire, place jack stand under control arm to keep CV axle as straight as possible.
Remove caliper and frame.
Remove rotor.
Remove axle nut...requires an impact torque wrench to get it off.
Remove sway bar drop link.
Remove ABS connector from back of wheel bearing.
Remove three bolts holding wheel bearing.
Remove wheel bearing and backing plate, grease seal.
Separate upper ball joint.
Rotate spindle out of way and pry CV axle stub out.
Push new CV axle stub into place.
Now put everything back the way it was.

I have had to bo both sides now due to CV joint thowing grease out.

Harbor Freight has a neat ball joint separator tool that does not tear the dust boots....actually worked.

Good luck.

 

At $40 a pop, you can replace them 15 times for the price of the AC Delco. You need to ask yourself if the truck will be around that long

 

The hearts at rock auto are customer favorites... I hadn't ever heard of EMPI.

 

I used a 2 foot socket instead of impact wrench and didnt need to remove wheel hub