CV shaft dislocated when installing leveling kit

[Dean Rogers]

Man I wish I'd have read this thread before I did my install. My CV shaft came apart too. 2020 FX4. I've levelled a lot of trucks, including my 2019 Ranger and had no issues. I've been lucky in the past. So I ended up pulling the shaft, fixing the C ring and repacking the grease. I've learned my lesson. That one 35 mm axle bolt could have saved me hours if I'd have loosened if up. If anyone is considering doing the level themselves (which I still highly recommend) loosen the CV bolt. It's pretty easy and will save you a headache.

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[WhtRanger]

Yikes this thread kinda scared me to do the 2.5 rc level myself, shop quoted me around 500 to do it..

 

[gwhalin]

Remove axle nut and push the axle out of the hub and you will be fine. I personally would also recommend getting a good pitman arm puller. I found a cheap set on Amazon that came with a bunch of sizes that made short work of pushing axle out of wheel as well as tie rod end and uca ball joint. Easier than beating the hell out of stuff with a hammer.

 

[rydfree]

Yikes this thread kinda scared me to do the 2.5 rc level myself, shop quoted me around 500 to do it..

Not too bad of a deal if it includes the alignment afterwards .

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Yikes this thread kinda scared me to do the 2.5 rc level myself, shop quoted me around 500 to do it..

It’s doable if you remove the axle nut and push it through and out of the way. If you have aluminum knuckles, ball joint and tie rod removal are a breeze. Raise and support both sides - not one at a time. You need some decent wrenching skills and proper tools but it can be done. You can also make it a bit easier to manage if you remove the calliper and rotor.

But, as @rydfree says, if that quote includes the alignment that will be needed after the level, ($120-$150), it’s worth serious consideration.

 

[Aonarch]

It took me 30 minutes a corner for a level kit.

You absolutely have to remove the axle nut and break free the knuckle side of the CV.

Loosely thread the axle nut back on the CV and tap it with a soft hammer. If you don't do that, the splines could be "seized" in the knuckle and behave like you never removed the axle nut.

 

[Bravohook]

Just did the Fox 2.0 today. Got it down to 20 min a side now. Popping the axle nut off and pushing axle out is a must. I also removed the sway bar from the truck frame and that made it way easier then trying to get it off the knuckle. I popped the link off the lower ball socket but was able to get it back together with a big set of channel locks.

 

[Jthomp19]

Same story here. I removed the axle nuts. Driver side super easy. Passenger side still pooped inner cv out. Still can’t get it back in. I removed the caliper and rotor. Wiggle twist turn push to no avail. My worries are growing.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Push in and twist until the axle 'binds' then smack it with a rubber mallet. Make sure you have the axle nut on so you don't damage the threads.

 

[Jthomp19]

That was a task for sure. Tedious and frustrating but finally all done. I miss live axles in the front. Awe the good old days.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

That was a task for sure. Tedious and frustrating but finally all done. I miss live axles in the front. Awe the good old days.

I miss live axle until its time to rebuild a birfield. Those were a b****.

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