Rear axle/wheel seals on '02 4.0 Supercab Ranger

[deezkits]

This is for a 2002 Ranger 4x4 Supercab. I confirmed that I do indeed have a 8.8 4.10 nonLSD differential. Confirmed it by my axle tag, door jamb sticker, shape of diff cover and measuring the 2.8" axle tubes. So in prep for changing my wheel bearings in the back I bought bearings and seals from NAPA, but after pulling the old ones I realize that my actual hardware is smaller. I did find and purchase the correct bearings now (I hope it is in fact #5707) but I keep getting the wrong seal type (I have the lipped type vs the enclosed U shaped seal)

I found this seal through Ford's site https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/brakes/other-brake-parts/seal-7858633-1 and it's the first time I've seen the one with a lip match up to my truck. But the dimensions are off on it. Mine measures about .570" thick and a few thou under 2.300" on the main OD.

 

[Uncle Gump]

This is probably the difference between a 31 spline and 28 spline axle.

 

[deezkits]

This is probably the difference between a 31 spline and 28 spline axle.

I imagine it is, but I can’t believe all these part store’s catalogs keep getting it wrong. I guess I need to stop by the ford dealership tomorrow or give them a call. Was hoping to get it done by tomorrow, but ah oh well.

 

[Josh B]

Sometimes you can take a Ford part number to a parts store and get it there much faster, and cheaper

 

[deezkits]

Sometimes you can take a Ford part number to a parts store and get it there much faster, and cheaper

I’ve been trying to do that LOL. I keep getting the wrong seal type, so right now I’m just trying to find out exactly what ford part number I need.

 

[Josh B]

I haven't done it often, only in a pinch when I needed the part yesterday and they couldn't get it till next week.
The last one I did wasn't seals but a transfer case gasket, and it wasn't a Motorcraft but a Pioneer, still they gave the number and told me to take it to Oreilly for next day pick-up

 

[deezkits]

I haven't done it often, only in a pinch when I needed the part yesterday and they couldn't get it till next week.
The last one I did wasn't seals but a transfer case gasket, and it wasn't a Motorcraft but a Pioneer, still they gave the number and told me to take it to Oreilly for next day pick-up

I’ll take anything at this point. Couldn’t care less if its a seal meant for a Mercedes. I’m still looking, but most don’t list dimensions. So far the closest I’ve found is that ford BRS90 seal, but it seems to be too wide and shallow.

 

[Josh B]

Have you slipped it onto the axle? Sometimes designs change after a few years
Don't push it past the point of contact, just see if it looks right, it needs to be oiled prior to installation and oiled it can't be returned

 

[deezkits]

I haven’t no, but the ones I’ve received so far are too large in diameter to be pressed in.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I just looked and the specs you posted are really close to the 7.5 axle. You sure your axle didn't get swapped?

National Wheel Seal 8660S

Shop for National Wheel Seal 8660S with confidence at AutoZone.com. Parts are just part of what we do. Get yours online today and pick up in store.

www.autozone.com

 

[deezkits]

I don’t think so. I have the 8.8 differential housing bolt pattern shape and that metal differential tag on the outside says 88.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Look at the specs I posted of the 7.5 axle seal.... compare your seal.

 

[deezkits]

They are the same except for the depth of it. Should work, except that it is ~.100” shallower. Can’t hurt much..?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Probably just being it's a different manufacture...

But something isn't right... that would indicate you have a 7.5

 

[deezkits]

Probably just being it's a different manufacture...

But something isn't right... that would indicate you have a 7.5

Somebody mentioned and I read elsewhere that they shared the same axle tube for these years. Unless it was the larger splined axle.