C-Clip Eliminator question

[fordman49450]

Ok, I am going to remove the frong diff from my 94 Ranger to do 2 things, one to drain the fluid and replace both axles seals, the other is to drill and tap a drain plug hole in the bottom. While this is out I want to do the C-Clip Eliminator but I have a few questions. Does anyone have any application that I can buy a spring for that will work? the second question is what do they mean by the "cap" blowing off in the tech library? Now does this spring ride on the outside of the mail axle half and push agains the front part of the female housing? Or does the spring go inside of the female portion of the spline unit and the male axle end pushes against that? Thank you for all responses.

[peter@ncws.com]

It will go in the female short shaft with the male long shaft pressing against it. I've used a 4cyl valvespring and it works fine. if there is too much tension then cut the spring (make it shorter). Get the spring at a machine shop for free(old one).

[4x4junkie]

The cap blowing off is a problem when using internal springs, there just isn't much room inside there for ANY spring, so it bottoms out on droop and blows out the cap that's pressed in the end of the female yoke.

I would use an externally-mounted spring.
The spring needs to have a 1.375" I.D., about 2.5-3" long, and have a stiffness rating between 20-30 PPI (someone once mentioned the hood latch spring from a certain GM car fit well, but I don't recall what car it was or anything).

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Fall2003/no_boing.jpg

[fordman49450]

ok, Thank you guys very much for your answers. They answered my questions.