So, I started the rebuild last night. Why can't anything be straightforward? One of the outer hub bolts had been sheared off and RTV'd back on. As a matter of fact, at some point, someone used RTV to close up all the axle leaks so the stuff was everywhere. A caliper bracket bolt head sheared off on the back when I tried to remove it. I checked the other side and it was missing altogether. Then, the nut on one of the hub studs was stripped and wouldn't come off. 1 1/2 hours later I had it off with a sawz-all. That was not easy to cut if one wants to avoid cutting the hub! There was no snap ring on the axle and the 54mm nut could be wound off by hand as the the tab had broken off the lock nut. I haven't even gotten to the knuckles yet!

Finding those broken bolts and snap ring was fun, too. I finally found all the necessary parts at three different local dealers. Otherwise, I was going to order the parts online and pay for Saturday delivery. I got twice as much as I need since I haven't started the passenger side yet. Luckily, I started on the side that was visibly worse.

10 hours later and I've almost got the driver's side back together. Looking for the bolt size to pull the axle out so I can get the snap ring on the end. Maybe the other side won't take as long.

It's either 8mm or 10mm (probably 8mm).

take a bolt from the fender under the hood. if I remember right they fit.
also. a good penatrating oil before you work on anything will save you some problems. the only one that I have found that works (I have a can of about every penetrating oil ever made) is called. In Force. the local napa here carries it.

ps, now you see why estimates at garages are so high.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> working on trucks is like a box of chocolets... you never know what your gona find) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Now, I found the caliper bolt holes in the knuckle is stripped. Both on the driver's side. I'm not even attempting to take apart the passenger side until I get the first side fixed. I'm looking for info on the proper tap to tap it one size bigger. I'm not taking off that knuckle again if I can help it!

fill out your profile.. where are you at?

I'm in Parker, Colorado.

I think those are M12-1.25 bolts for the caliper bracket, pretty common for them to strip. I usually find a 1/2-20 tap and just run it through the stripped M12 threads and use a 1/2" bolt. I did this with my tow hook holes in the frame when I added a 2nd tow hook.

This is the route I'm headed. I guess I'll find out if I have to drill the calipers themselves to make that hole bigger.