1998 - 2000 Ford Ranger Locking Hub / Axle Swap

By: Rick Long (McDonald Ranger)

This information is for swapping out the (PVH) vacuum assisted hubs found in 1998 - 2000 Rangers.  

The replacement hubs and axles are from a 1995 and newer Explorer which is the same front axle and suspension as the 1998 - 2000 Rangers.  The reason for doing the swap is to get rid of the vacuum assist hubs and the axle disconnect hubs that are on the 1998/1999 Rangers, which the Explorer's did not have. 

The Explorer axle goes all the way thru the hubs and is secured by a 32mm nut on the outside of the hub which makes it stronger than the Ranger axles. 

1) Get the axles & hubs out of a 1995 & newer Explorer.  Make sure you get the 32mm hub nut for the axles.  

2) Remove your shocks.

3) Remove the hub disconnects from your hubs and the ring clip and plastic split ring from inside the hub on the axle.

4) Remove the (2) small screws from the back side of the hub that holds the retainer ring.  Remove the (3) bolts that goes thru the steering knuckle into the hub and pull the hub off the knuckle.  

5) Remove the tie rods, the upper ball joint and then the lower ball joint and pull the steering knuckle off.

6) Pull the axles with a good tug out of the axle housing.  

7) Replace everything with the Explorer axles and hubs in reverse order.

8) If your Ranger did not have front anti-lock brakes, cut the anti-lock brake wiring that comes out of the hub of the Explorer hubs as close as possible to the hub.  

9) Last but not least plug your vacuum line that comes out of your steering knuckle.

MAKE SURE YOU TORQUE THE AXLE HUB NUTS (32MM).

I CANT REMEMBER THE EXACT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS, BUT I THINK IT IS 150 FT LBS, CHECK WITH YOUR FORD SERVICE COUNTER TO BE SURE.  GOOD LUCK!!