Replacing front CV Half Shaft Assembly

[DrG]

Has anyone every replaced a front CV Half Shaft Assembly? I poked a hole in one of the boots when I broke a tierod and a entire half shaft from RockAuto is as cheap as a new boot from GM. It looks easy enough but is it??

Also, what service manual describes this kind of stuff best? The factory manual??
David

[RuggedH2]

I carry a spare in my rig when I wheel. I haven't had to use it yet, but I downloaded the directions for install and it is easy. It could be done on the trail with the right tools....... you will need a 35 mm socket and a breaker bar.

[DrG]

The procedure looks to be pretty straight forward. My regular mechanic had priced the labor at $200 and the axle at $150. That much of a labor charge made me think the axle was pressed into the wheel and was going to require a lot of work. After checking it out, I just don't see it being that tough unless the spline hangs up in the wheel. I picked up a new half shaft with a lifetime guarantee at O'Reillys for $60 plus a core charge that I'll get back. I think I have over-thought this one and made it more difficult than it's really going to be. I'll let you know after I do it this Saturday.

[PaHumBug]

Hey guys, the stealership just told me that my axle seal on the front diff is leaking, and the "axle spacer" on the opposite side is broken (I have a 6 inch fabtech lift so the spacer isn't stock). How hard is it to change those seals and the spacer? Is it just a matter of taking some bolts out and pushing that end of the axle aside? Or will the whole front end need torn apart?
Thanks

[Hellz]

holy thread hijack!!!
let alone raising the dead..

[PaHumBug]

Yeah sorry for the highjack but this was the closest thread I could find in searching for my problem and figured you guys would know. In the future should I just start a new thread?