i need to replace the rear axle bearings on my 97 3/4 ton . has anyone done it before, and if so how hard are they to replace?

1997 CTD 2500 4X4 ex-cab long box 235,000, gear vendors 8 speed, stage 5 TST fuel plate, 4" exhaust, 370 injectors, full DTT trans, turbo silencer MIA, X-monitor guages, 4:10 gears w/ limited slip, new style tow mirors, stock turbo and pump

2004.5 CTD 2500 4 door long box, stock for now

 

I did one side of my '97. It really isn't very hard. You just need to get a special socket for the bearing nut.

 

They're pretty straight forward. Pick up a Haynes book. It's not as good as a Service Manual but it has a lot of good info in it.

The big nut you have to remove has a nylon insert in it. There's a special keeper that bites into the nylon to hold it from turning. It's recommended that you replace these. I used a pair of side cutters and was able to pull them out without wrecking them. The dealer wanted $9 each for them. There might be 2 cents max worth of material to make them. The old ones have been in there for 4 years with no problems.

You'll want to pack the bearings with some grease and do a few figure 8's when you get it back together to get the rearend fluid out to the bearings.

 

replaced them in the fall. Basically be prepared that the old ones will be hard to get out and u need to be patient. i rented the big socket and that was abreeze to remove...it really wasnt tight at all. I used a film of RTV sealant around the seal before putting it back in...while i was there i repacked the bearings with grease ...no biggie....biggest challenge is getting ur hands on the big nut for the axle..Napa has them for sure. pm me if you have problems