Can upper and lower ball joints be replaced without removing the axle?

[SLOWnEASY]

Should be a simple question but I can't find a definitive answer after hours reading associated posts.
Question is: Can I replace the upper and lower ball joints without pulling the front axle out? Can I just pull the knuckles off the end of the axle and leave the axle behind in the axle tube?
Thanks

 

[Jdgephar]

I don't think you can. The knuckle will have to move far enough down to get out of the holes in the C. I don't know how you do that with the axle still in the way.

James beat me to the reply...he must know a way that I don't.

 

[jamesroney]

I don't think you can. The knuckle will have to move far enough down to get out of the holes in the C. I don't know how you do that with the axle still in the way.

James beat me to the reply...he must know a way that I don't.

Yeah, I have a reading comprehension problem... I didn't read it as leave the axle shaft in the housing. I read it as leave the housing in the truck.

 

[Steve83]

Can I just pull the knuckles off the end of the axle and leave the axle behind in the axle tube?

Absolutely not. They don't come straight off - they come down first, at least the height of the upper BJ's stud.

 

[SLOWnEASY]

Thanks guys, I kind of figured as much but thought I'd ask.