Here's a general overview of the steps involved; again, this is not a complete or detailed guide and should not be substituted for a professional repair manual:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Use jack stands to securely support the truck. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a comprehensive set of tools, including various wrenches (metric and possibly SAE), sockets, ratchets, a torque wrench, a ball joint separator, possibly a pickle fork (use caution with these), a press (potentially), and jack stands.
* Consult Repair Manual: Obtain a factory service manual or a reputable repair manual specific to your 2003 Ford F-150. This manual will provide detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams crucial for successful axle removal.
2. Disconnect Components:
* Steering: Disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. This requires a tie rod separator. Mark the position of the tie rods before disconnecting to ensure proper alignment during reassembly.
* Brakes: Remove the brake calipers and rotor. Secure the calipers to prevent damage to the brake lines. Consider using zip ties or a wire hanger.
* ABS Sensors: If equipped, carefully disconnect the ABS sensors from the axle.
* Drive Shafts: Disconnect the drive shafts from the differential. This usually involves removing the retaining bolts and then sliding the shafts out.
* Axle Shaft: Disconnect the axle shaft from the differential. This may involve removing cotter pins and nuts.
* Ball Joints: Separate the ball joints from the control arms. This usually requires a ball joint separator or a press. Again, exercise caution.
3. Remove the Axle:
* Unbolt the Axle: Once all components are disconnected, you will need to unbolt the axle from the truck's frame. This often involves removing several large bolts.
* Lower the Axle: Carefully lower the axle assembly.
4. Reassembly:
Reassembly is the reverse of the removal process. Pay close attention to torque specifications from your repair manual. Improper torque can lead to serious safety issues. After reassembly, a wheel alignment is absolutely necessary.
Disclaimer: This is a simplified overview and omits many crucial steps and safety precautions. Attempting this repair without the proper knowledge, tools, and experience could result in serious injury or damage to your vehicle. Consult a professional mechanic or use a reputable repair manual for detailed instructions and safety procedures.
