I was changing out tires yesturday and found 4 studs on drivers front that were stripped. I was able to pull the lugs off by massive force and verbal coaxing and then went to Napa at 5:45 to buy new studs and lug nuts. I returned and easily removed the rotor/hub assembly and pounded the bad studs out. Knowing I had no access to a press until Monday, I did what I have in the past.... insert studs and run the nuts up as far as they will go and then give a few smacks from a sledge hammer to seat them. After 3 good hits the center of the rotor broke and fell right down.
I am now stranded until Monday and so far am uncertain what I will be needing. If I remember right, I have to replace both rotors to have the braking be "true". I know rotors and pads but what about the hub assemblys? Do they come with the rotors and if not how do I remove them from the old rotors and how do they get re-installed? Are they to be pressed in?
Any feedback is worth gold right now........ I am soooo bummed.

 

Sounds like you may have had a rotor that was already cracked and on it's way out before you hit it (unless you had REALLY bad aim with that hammer). You may end up being lucky to have found it now rather than having it break during a panic stop.

I'm don't know about the '98 but when changing the rotors on my '92 2wd, the studs had to be pressed out and then the center hub pressed out of the rotor. Then press it all back together in reverse order. Hope that your's works that easily.

You may be able to get by with just turning the other rotor so long as it remains within specs but if it's been turned before, I'd seriously think about replacing it.

Good luck

 

I've replaced just one rotor at a time with no problem at all. Would use new pads on both sides though.
I think 12 valve is correct, it was already cracked.
The hubs come separate from the rotors on a 4wd and are about $250 each, don't replace them unless bad. They are removed by pounding/pressing out all the studs.
I've seated more studs on these trucks than I can count without cracking a rotor, I just use a stack of washers under the nut an an impact wrench.

 

you need to support the face around the stud you are replacing. if you dont well you know already what will happen.

 

I did. Solid oak blocks were placed to support the whole surface area. Momma didn't raise no fool. I have been through this before...minus the demolition af a good rotor.

 

It may be a blessing in disguise. I can't imagine a "GOOD" rotor falling apart no matter how hard you hit it. You might have saved a roadside repair down the road. Of coarse that's only my opinion.

 

Thats the way I am looking at it. Better have all this happen in a private garage instead of a $hop. I have put over $4000 into my truck in the past 2 months and this little awe $#%! has put me in the dog house with the wife.

 

I had to change out four of five studs on my left front tire on my old 96 ram 4/x4.

Did it in the rain, in a parking lot 500 miles from home. Just took the tire off, left the rotor in place and beat the studs out with a claw hammer I bought at Family dollar. I did have to beat the heat shield back so I could get them in and out.

Worst vacation I ever took.

 

Well I got it all back together and was pretty happy that I only had to replace the rotor I demolished. I put a mic on them and found that they have not been turned before.......I thought they had been. I had the hub and new studs pressed in and put on new pads and it is good to go. The hardest part I encountered was getting the darn ABS put back on the side of the hub. Too little of space for BIG fingers. Well I now have newer brakes and brand new BFG All Terrains...... All ready for play now.