Failing Seal ?

[cvenom96]

The biggest expense you'll have besides tools is paper towels/rags. So....much...wiping......

Seriously though it's not a hard job to do. Just messy and takes some time.

 

[dpeshkin]

The tools themselves for this job aren't overly expensive or specialized. You can get them all at HF. An impact driver with the fancy wobble bits helps, but isn't required.
The skill set needed is mostly attention to detail and patience.
This job is as messy as they come, but not killer difficult; the parts are large and robust.
The brass rod for knocking out the kingpin bearings (top and bottom of knuckle) will give your wallet a shock for such a simple piece of rod stock.
The seal pusher can be rented at O'Riely's (I bought the brand new one, still in the wrapper, they were going to rent me).
There are a couple of excellent videos to watch to give you multiple perspectives on this job.
DIY you'll be in it for $500-$700 with full kit including wheel bearings and your new tool sets.
If you find the spindles need replacing you'll be in another $250ish/side.

Its a 12hr job, for the experienced, so hourly rate times 12---around here that's ~$100/hour on top of parts and whatever mark up they put on them.
Just my opinion... Take that $1200 bucks you'd pay someone else and put it toward tools and your own education and experience.
Your Ego will love you for it.

Spindle was a little worn (felt sort of rounded) and when I put the flange on it there was some play. I ordered new flanges for both sides and that took up most of the play. I think the spindles are discontinued and I didn't know what competent after market products were available. Now I'm wondering what the state of the rear flanges (if there are any) may look like.-Dan

 

[Rusty Marlin]

The rear spindles are one with the axle. If they are toast, you need a new axle or there is this method:

 

[Pascoscout]

Lots of good advice on this thread and other threads here on MUD. I just finished mine this morning. Otramm video & FSM are "must haves"
My lesson learned is to use the same grease on the bearings above and below the Birfield as you'll use in the Birfield. I used red wheel bearing grease. Not the end of the world, but I won't do that again.
As others have indicated, doing this yourself is a excellent way to REALLY understand how a key component works (or doesn't!)
Enjoy the journey

Guess I didn't realize that you are supposed to use different grease in the birfs than in the bearings. Pretty sure I used red wheel bearing grease for everything. My inner seal has failed so it's time to pull it apart anyway and put in new seals. Bearings and races don't have many miles on them so should go a lot faster this time since I shouldn't need to replace those.