I am planning on buying an impact wrench to remove the nuts, however, I will give it a shot first with a breaker bar.

Also...what type of grease would you all recommend for packing the bearings or is it needed?

 

It is unit bearing. No grease.

Take it easy if the nut does not let go, go pick up the impact. Not worth breaking the tool and possibly hurt or get killed.

 

then did all the oil/ grease come from the rear diff?

 

You will see fluid come out.

If I were you and hadn't done the diff service in awhile, I would drain the axle first then do the job and refill.

 

I got a 3/4" breaker bar and 32mm impact sockt for it, and my front hub nut came off with little difficulty. I highly recommend that.

I used a hub puller, and while using that to get the hubs off my imact wrench came in very handy. I have a cheapy from harbor freight. Getting the hub off the axle shaft is s pain. Also, you will want the right rtv for the ne hub to go back on. It is in a thread on this forum.

 

I went to pick up the 3/4" breaker bar but, they only 1/2" 32mm sockets and didn't want to get the adapter as I figured that would be the place that it would break.

For fun...I did buy the 1/2" 32mm socket (as it is rated for the impact gun) and jumped up and down on my 1/2" breaker bar. Nadda but, figured why not at least try.

I am just going to bite the bullet and get the impact gun and a compressor from Harbor Freight.

 

Try soaking the nut in PB Blaster/penetrating spray overnight a couple of times then when you come to remove it try tightening it a gnat's first before trying to unscrew it. Heating the nut for 10-15 minutes with a blowlamp torch should expand it slightly and help break the seal on it to the bearing and shaft. Good luck, have fun

As CollieRover says, a 3/4" HD breaker bar and 3/4" drive impact socket is the way to go.

 

Thanks!! I have my torch and PB Blaster already, just need the right tools. I also need to drain the rear diff before I get too far.

 

curious for those that used an impact wrench, as I just snapped my breaker bar

What PSI?
How many FTs?
How many gallon tank?

 

I am pretty sure Offroad turned me on to the 3/4" Breaker Bar. Get a set of the 3/4" impact sockets, as the nut I had to put on was 36mm for some dumb reason. If you can stick with the 32mm hub nut, because you can take the wheel cap off and tighten it with the tire on and truck on the ground.

A 1/2" breaker bar, just cannot handle it.