However, if you're determined to do it yourself, here's a general outline. Remember this is a *simplified* overview and specific steps might vary slightly depending on your exact truck configuration:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Use jack stands to safely support the vehicle. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a variety of tools, including:
* Socket set (metric)
* Wheel chocks
* Torque wrench
* Ball joint separator
* C-clamp or similar tool for compressing caliper piston
* Hammer
* Punch
* Pry bar (potentially)
* Possibly a press (for stubborn bearings)
* Axle nut socket (often a large, specialized socket)
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)
2. Removing the Wheel and Brake Caliper:
* Remove the wheel.
* Use a C-clamp or similar tool to compress the brake caliper piston to create space for the rotor. This is crucial to avoid damaging the brake lines. Some calipers have a bleeder screw to allow this more easily.
* Remove the caliper mounting bolts and carefully hang the caliper out of the way using a wire or bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake line.
3. Removing the Rotor:
* Typically, you'll find a retaining bolt or clip on the back of the rotor. Remove this.
* The rotor should then be able to slide off the hub. If it's stuck, you might need to carefully tap it with a hammer and punch. Avoid damaging the rotor's surface.
4. Removing the Hub and Bearing Assembly:
* This is the most challenging part. The axle nut needs to be removed. It’s usually very large and tight. Use penetrating oil generously and a long breaker bar or impact wrench. Make absolutely sure the vehicle is securely supported!
* Once the nut is off, you need to separate the hub assembly from the knuckle. This often requires a ball joint separator or a similar tool to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. This is where a press can be extremely helpful.
* The hub and bearing assembly is typically pressed onto the axle shaft. Removing this might require a hydraulic press or a specialized puller.
5. Accessing the Jackshaft:
* Once the hub assembly is removed, you should have access to the jackshaft.
6. Reassembly:
* Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly. Be sure to torque all fasteners to the manufacturer's specifications, found in a repair manual. This is crucial for safety. Incorrect torque can lead to failure of components.
* After reassembly, bleed the brakes to remove any air introduced during the process.
Important Notes:
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 is absolutely essential. It will provide detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and crucial steps that are impossible to cover in a general overview.
* Press: A hydraulic press is highly recommended for removing and installing the hub assembly and bearings. Doing this without one can easily damage components.
* Bearings: You will likely need new bearings once the hub assembly is off. They are typically not reusable.
* Professional Help: Again, this is a complex job. If you're not comfortable with the level of mechanical skill required, it's far better to have a qualified mechanic perform this work. The cost of professional repair is much less than the potential cost of damaging your vehicle or injuring yourself.
This information is for guidance only. Always consult a repair manual and proceed with caution. Incorrectly performing these steps could lead to serious damage or injury.
