Front half shaft won't separate

[MrDoc]

2003 and attempting to remove the passenger half shaft as the spline on the wheel end snapped off during another repair.

I have removed the 6 12mm bolts on the mounting plate, but unlike in the YouTube videos I have seen, the two plates did not separate. In fact, when I turn the wheel they both turn as if they were still bolted together.

Are they that tight or would they be rusted together? How do I get them apart as quickly and easily as possible?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

 

[Bain64]

Soak in a good penetrant, I'd recommend something better than WD40. I really like Mopar's formula. https://www.amazon.com/Chrysler-Genuine-Accessories-4318039AC-Penetrant/dp/B00BV4DBAU

Then put two bolts back in a few threads and slap the side of the plate with a hammer.

 

[MrDoc]

Soak in a good penetrant, I'd recommend something better than WD40. I really like Mopar's formula. https://www.amazon.com/Chrysler-Genuine-Accessories-4318039AC-Penetrant/dp/B00BV4DBAU

Then put two bolts back in a few threads and slap the side of the plate with a hammer.

Yup was already sprayed down with the Mopar stuff a few days ago. Thread in two bolts to stop it from falling or to use to pound the flanges apart?

Also how gentle do I need to be to avoid any damage to the differential components?

 

[Hamfisted]

Shoot it with some Liquid Wrench. Can you tap a putty knife around it to help it along ?

 

[MrDoc]

In case this helps anyone down the road, I realized that the inner flage was supported and felt a bit more confident using some force. I took a flat blade screwdriver and tapped a bit with my 3 lb hand sledge. Rotate a few times and eventually found a spot I could get into. The flanges eventually parted ways and I was on my way.

So many different reads on torque for the lower strut bolt. I found from 85 for gen 1 expeditions to 300 for the F150 which appears to use the same setup as a gen 2 expedition. No clear findings on factory specs for a gen 2 so j think I ran it the same as the tie rod at 111 ft lbs.

 

[Bain64]

So many different reads on torque for the lower strut bolt. I found from 85 for gen 1 expeditions to 300 for the F150 which appears to use the same setup as a gen 2 expedition. No clear findings on factory specs for a gen 2 so j think I ran it the same as the tie rod at 111 ft lbs.

The lower strut bolt is much higher, something like 295 ft lbs. I believe 111 is not tight enough for that giant ~30mm nut/bolt.
Thanks for sharing the other helpful details

Edit: Here you go good sir, torque specs for 2003 4x4 front suspension Expy, straight from the shop manual

 

[MrDoc]

The lower strut bolt is much higher, something like 295 ft lbs. I believe 111 is not tight enough for that giant ~30mm nut/bolt.
Thanks for sharing the other helpful details

Edit: Here you go good sir, torque specs for 2003 4x4 front suspension Expy, straight from the shop manual

Fantastic and thank you very much for the info. Guess I'll be cranking that bad boy down a bit more in the morning.

Is this identical for the rear? I might have to do a rear hub this weekend. I believe the axle bolt is larger and may have a higher torque than the front does?

 

[Adieu]

Yeah same parts different published spec

I figure just use your weight... if you're a 200lb male, grip a breaker bar 18" down the handle and do a full-weight push-up on it