Stub Shaft Removal

NVR2FST · Nov 15, 2007

I have a 96' 4x4 STX 4.0 Ranger that I'm in the process of replacing the ball joints on the passenger side and figured I'd do the u-joints while I'm in there. My question is, how is the stub shaft (I think that's the correct name) come out of the front diff? Are there c-clips or something holding it in the diff?

JFA_Spyderman · Nov 15, 2007

IIRC, there is a c-clip on the passenger axle, but not the driver side.

The shaft on the passenger side however, has a slip yoke that can seperate if you remove the dust boot half way up the shaft. That way you don't have to remove the whole differential to get at the u-joint.

NVR2FST · Nov 16, 2007

I had removed the outer shaft from the boot out, but what about the little one between the diff and rubber boot? Sounds like to get this one out you have to open the diff up huh? Seems strange that they wouldn't make it more serviceable...

MAKG · Nov 16, 2007

You don't need to remove the shaft between the rubber boot and the diff to service balljoints.

rickcdewitt · Nov 16, 2007

you might try a c clamp to press the inner u joint out,that and a little tapping with a hammer might get it out without being on a bench.probably be a pain though.

97_4x4 · Nov 16, 2007

MAKG said:
You don't need to remove the shaft between the rubber boot and the diff to service balljoints.

MAKG, I can't believe I am having to say this to you but... Read the post... He said while having it apart he was going to do the u-joints as well...lol :icon_twisted:

As for his question. Yes there is a c0-clip on the passenger side. I have read and heard of guys pressing the u-joint out with a ball-joint press or a LARGE C-clamp but personally have never done it...

Chris

Sasquatch_Ryda · Nov 16, 2007

At work we torch the u joint out, pop the caps out, and press in a new joint without having to pull the diff.

MAKG · Nov 17, 2007

97_4x4 said:
MAKG, I can't believe I am having to say this to you but... Read the post... He said while having it apart he was going to do the u-joints as well...lol

True, but I think an old adage applies here.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

97_4x4 · Nov 17, 2007

Maybe so, but I know what happens with a project like this... If I don't replace it now while it is apart, I'll just be pulling it apart agian in a few months to do it... Know taking the front end is no biggie, I can take it down to the dif and back together in a couple of hours... Its just extra work that I usually don't have time to or would have to be done when it's 20* outside. I don't have a shop to work in...

NVR2FST · Nov 17, 2007

Thanks for the responses. These things are very rusty! We ended up using a press to get the others out. I'm with 97 4x4 on this one...if I don't do it now, I'm sure it will go out soon. It's just a spare vehicle so the down time doesn't bother me, I just don't want to do it again...I have project cars and this isn't one of them

NVR2FST · Nov 26, 2007

OK - I finally had the time to pull the drivers side spindle and shaft. Now back to the passenger stub shaft. How do I get the c-clip out if the whole center section comes out of the housing? I've never dealt with this style diff/ housing before...only the 8.8 style (by just pulling the cover). So how do you pull the center section with the shaft still in??

Thanks again!

MAKG · Nov 26, 2007

Disconnect the front driveshaft, unbolt all the bolts (including the extra one behind the radius arm on top) and pull it out. Be ready for a mess.

I suggest leaving a couple of bolts threaded in just a little near the top, and breaking the seal that way to catch all the gear oil.

Once you have the pig out, remove the cross pin bolt, pull the cross-pin far enough out to clear the end of the axleshaft, push the shaft in, and the C-clip will probably just fall out.

NVR2FST · Nov 26, 2007

Thanks for the info! I've got the front driveshaft out, but can't seem to get the pinch bolt on the backside of the diff to budge. I got the nut off with some heat, but it doesn't appear to have enough room for the bolt to go up and out of the slot. Any recommendations?

MAKG said:
Disconnect the front driveshaft, unbolt all the bolts (including the extra one behind the radius arm on top) and pull it out. Be ready for a mess.

I suggest leaving a couple of bolts threaded in just a little near the top, and breaking the seal that way to catch all the gear oil.

Once you have the pig out, remove the cross pin bolt, pull the cross-pin far enough out to clear the end of the axleshaft, push the shaft in, and the C-clip will probably just fall out.

MAKG · Nov 26, 2007

I don't believe it has to come out. Just loose.

NVR2FST · Nov 26, 2007

I just don't seem to have much luck with this project. I still can't get the pig to break loose. Any suggestions? Everything is out and ready to go, but it just won't break the RTV seal...

Stub Shaft Removal

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