How-To: E-Clip Eliminator

[engdept]

This is another way to eliminate the E-Clip found in the '84-'90 Bronco II, '91-'94 Explorer, or a '83-'97 Ranger Dana Twin Traction Beam (TTB) front suspension.


Difficulty: 4 out of 10


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5034.jpg


The spring is 2-1/4" long with a 1.445" OD and a 1.2395" ID.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5037.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5041.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5045.jpg


First off, you have to squeeze the spring over the splines of the male passenger axle shaft. This can be a pain if you don't have a vice. You will have to sort of stretch the very bottom coil and slip it over the spline. Then you need to slowly drive the spring down over the splines of the shaft.
The spring rest against the end of the female inner axle shaft.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5046.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5049.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5050.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5051.jpg


After that, you should do something to keep it from slipping over the groove in the shaft. I chose to run a weld around the axle. This will keep the spring from popping over the groove and causing it to fail.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5052.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5053.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5054.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5055.jpg


Now you can re-install the boot and use a pair of hose clamps to hold it on. Remember to grease up the axle splines before you slide the female end over the male end.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5056.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/lifted97ranger/1986%20Bronco%20II/100_5057.jpg


Finally, you can re-install the axle into the truck.

[compleckz]

two questions:
where'd you get the spring/what is the PN?

and what is the spring rate?

i have one i've been using but it is not tight on the shaft, so i rely on the hose clamp of the boot to keep it in place. on that side.

thanks!

[engdept]

two questions:
where'd you get the spring/what is the PN?

and what is the spring rate?

i have one i've been using but it is not tight on the shaft, so i rely on the hose clamp of the boot to keep it in place. on that side.

thanks!
I got it locally. I can get them for $5.00 each + shipping if you want me to nab you one. Shoot me a PM if you do.

[igiveup]

Hello

Thank you for the post for idiots like me. Now I understand how its done.

igiveup

[Ranger44]

Awesome!

[UrbanRedneckKid]

Did mine the same way. I could have cut my spring down a little.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n208/urbanredneckkid/0927081708.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n208/urbanredneckkid/0927081715.jpg
Readily availible at Tractor Supply Company for $2 (actually $1.98)
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n208/urbanredneckkid/0927081719.jpg

EDIT: For all you critics. I know I don't have a boot, it got miss placed 5 axles ago. they come out often enough.In fact, i just broke this axle today, and after getting a new axle I will have to do this all over again.

[engdept]

The local tractor supply didn't have any 1-1/2" springs; they didn't even have a spot for them.

[mjonesjr]

Put into the tech library.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/c-clip_eliminator_external.html

If you need assistance doing this modification, please PM myself.