Level kit/front axle problem

[Brobey920]

I’m new to this site, I found it because when installing my level kit I ran into a problem. I didn’t take the axle nut off because I didn’t know I needed to. So the axle pulled apart, I’ve messed with it and believe it’s back together. Problem is the top of the knuckle is even close to going back into the stud on the upper arm. It seems like the axle is to long (something is not fully seated inside maybe?). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

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[Brobey920]

Not the ball joint from the arm, just the stud into the knuckle. But I can’t get the knuckle back into the stud, they are to far apart. I’m thinking maybe I don’t have the axle back together right.

 

[chrisakz]

Mine pulled apart when I did my level kit too but was able to get it back together easily..go back over your procedures to make sure you did everything right. IIRC was a PITA to line up. I used a jack under the lower control arm and used all my strength to push the top of the knuckle toward the upper ball joint

 

[Brobey920]

I tried to upload a picture but it won’t. The knuckle and stud are probably 3 or 4 inches apart, not even close.

 

[chrisakz]

Splines could be binding up the in the wheel bearing..? Check that the outer part of the shaft is fully seating while also making sure the cv joint doesn’t come apart lol it’s a bit of a juggling act

 

[chrisakz]

I can’t see from your pic if you took off the sway bar end link either

 

[Brobey920]

Yeah I tried that, axle is fully seated at both ends. It just seems like the axle is to long now. I may have it rebuilt tomorrow and see if anything is wrong inside. I don’t know, I’m at a lost. I’ve installed quite a few lifts and level kits but they’ve all been on straight axle trucks and jeeps.

 

[Brobey920]

Yes, sway bar link is removed from the knuckle.

 

[Brobey920]

Passenger side as it sits

 

[chrisakz]

Hmm looks like it should go back together.. nothing obvious to me.. stick around maybe some more members will chime in

 

[Brobey920]

I will and thanks for you help, I really appreciate it.

 

[EJH]

As much as I like Stage3 (I have ordered from them with good experience), their YouTube video on the Ford shock upgrade probably contributes to this ? Their video is one of the more popular DIY videos on YouTube. While specific to Fox upgrades, it applies to any shock replacement. They do the install without removing the axle nut, instead pulling down and putting pressure on the CV axle joint. They are able to do the install without things pulling apart, but many who follow that technique aren't as lucky.

Ford has very detailed install instructions on shock replacement, with diagrams here.

 

[Brobey920]

Yep, I totally agree with you on the stage 3 video. I watched it and a couple others. None of the ones I watched mentioned taking the axle nut off. I’m currently working on the drivers side to see if it goes any better. I’m mean it can’t get any worse, right? Lol

 

[Brobey920]

A little bit of an update. Just got done with the driver side. Everything went super smooth, just took the axle nut off and it was easy. Even got the crash bars out of the way. I’m still having issues with the passenger side. Looks like the axle is definitely the problem.

 

[AdamHarris]

Same thing happened to me. It was an absolute bitch. Ended up pulling the boot off where the cv joint separated apart from itself. Made sure it was lined up and had ti carefully hammer (!) the axle back into itself. Not a fun afternoon but it finally went back together and all was ok. 1.5 yrs ago.

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