Has anyone installed a passenger side front drive axle assembly? Is it something a novice can handle? The haynes repair manual mentions some special tools/parts, balljoint removal tool, upper ball joint-to-steering knuckle nut, and of course torque wrench, sockets,ect. I dont care to buy some specialized parts/tools and replace the entire assembly because the truck does have 123,000 miles on it and the driver side will probably need replacement at some point, I got an estimate from a shop and they want over $400 for the assembly that I can get from the parts store for $70 plus $150 for labor and $90 for the alignment. Just seems like I could save alot of money and do it myself. Just hoping someone might know of some websites with how-to's or personal experiences with this type of repair. I have done my own rotors,brakes,plugs ect. but nothing like this any help would be great.

No but if you do it you should do a write up about it!!

Yup. Went a different route with repairing the boot eh?

Well I began to write it up, when I realized it isn't actually very easy. Repairing the boot is far easier.

I can tell you how we did it if you want to know, but the boot is far easier.

For both jobs you won't need special tools, or an alignment, thats just your usual salesman/mechanic talk. If you take the right things off it won't mess your alignment up.

The jobs alot like replacing the boot, but gets more complicated after you get the axle out of the spindle.

P.s. incase you're wondering, I replaced my axle, with a used axle that ended up having a bad boot then had to take it back apart and replace the boot, thats why I know.

I apreciate the info RLN I decided to go ahead and replace the entire axle assembly because the current assembly has 124,000 miles on it, so I figure it wouldnt hurt to just replace the entire assembly. You are very correct that it can get complicated as far as the removal and installation of the new part so I am going to leave that in the hands of a trained professional, the shop I am taking it to is going to do it for $160, and the (new) part was $100 at Napa ,the guys at Napa as well as some other friends recommended the shop to me and the shop is across the street from Napa go figure.