Heard some horrid grinding from both front wheels of my 2010 HSE LUX, with lots of smoke from the right front wheel. Removed the wheel to discover this gory crime scene.

I just replaced both front rotors and pads and that's about the extent of work I do on the truck. Is this even a diy thing with common tools? I assume I'd need to replace both front shafts since the noise was from both wheels. The noise actually began at the drivers side then migrated to the right and that side was the one smoking.

 

Wow! Sorry to see this. I really doubt both axel shafts went at the same time. But I would inspect the entire driveline and possible drain diff fluid. The only way I can see both shafts falling would be from some sorta diff failure, which could have caused other collateral damages. But assuming this one CV joint went then the sounds could simply be from traveling through the driveline from this. And assuming just this axel went, its can easily be DIY. You would need a new axel and I would highly recommend an output seal. The only tough part of the repair is the axel nut at the hub and getting the axel popped out of the diff. But there is no real difficulty in replacing one.

 

You will need to separate a ball joint to get enough room to swing the spindle out of the way to remove the shaft. The splines are too long on either end of the shaft to simply drop it out.

 

I did the upper joint and sway bar link. Careful with the torque specs on the ball joints, the stud can snap when tightening back down.

 

Yeah, inch pounds, not foot pounds. You can guess how I know! You’ll probably need heat and a long breaker/pipe for that axle nut.
Smoke may have just been grease on the rotor.

 

Careful heating axel nuts, I myself never do unless replacing the hub. Extreme heat can damage the grease and seals.

 

Thank you all for assistance! Gonna let my Indy do the dirty work.