So I just got done replacing both CV axles in the comfort of my garage.

I was thinking about how difficult it would be to do on the trail and what gear I would need.

Some of the tools needed:
-Flathead screwdriver and chisel + hammer to get the dust cap off (this is a pain)
-Plyers to get the cotter pin out
-35mm socket to get the big nut off
-breaker bar to fit over the 1/2 drive to get the 35mm socket off
-bottle jack to press down the upper a-arm
-3/8 drive and 14mm socket + breaker bar to get the 4 bolts on the lower ball joint off (blue loctite)
-Hard rubber mallet/hammer to knock the axle out of the spindle if it gets stuck
-1'-2' long crow bar to pry the CV axle out
-2nd bottle jack to press the lower ball joint up while the the other bottle jack presses the upper arm down, so the 4 bolt holes line up. I use the floor jack in the garage to press the lower arm up, but figure a 2nd bottle jack could be used on the trail.
-flashlight
-gloves
-Z-Rest foam pad so I don't kill my back/knees


-My main concern would be getting the bud-built skid plate off - that sucker is heavy. Maybe I could use two bottle jacks to press it up while I remove the bolts, and then lower one of the bottle jacks and kind of slide it down and off? I probably wouldn't be able to get it back on for the remainder of the trip (throw it in the cargo area).

-My next concern would be lifting the truck on an uneven surface to remove the wheel. I've never used a Hi-lift, but they sure don't look as nice and secure at a couple jack stands.

Anyone every replace a CV axle on the trail?
Any tips/tricks?

 

Did this earlier today,

Well you don't need two bottle jacks, with a pry bar and two people you can get the lbj bolts in.

We got my cv out with my budbuilt on, but I will be modifying it a little so it will be easier to pry out the cv from the diff.

I'd just wheel on it till i was comfortable and safe place to change it. I kept on going in 3wd with my front diff locked and a busted cv.

Keep jackstands in the truck, I do and I used mine

Had it about changed out in 30 minutes.

 

Yeah, I already have a bunch of junk in the back, a couple jack stands wouldn't take up too much more room.