Carrier Bearing

[Robert Mangrum]

Anyone know how much play should be in the carrier bearing on the driveshaft? Mine seems like it has about a 1/4 inch of play in it. Is that normal?

 

[Curious Hound]

I'll preface this by saying I have not dealt with one of these in a Ranger. The bearing itself should have no perceptible play.

How is the bearing held in it's mounting bracket? If it's in a rubber isolator within the bracket, again, there should be no "play" or looseness. But the rubber isolator should allow some flexibility. It is there to hold the bearing without passing driveshaft vibrations to the frame. If the rubber has lost it's flexibility or the bearing is loose within it, then it's worn out and should be replaced.

 

[Shran]

1/4" sounds about right assuming you're talking about play in the rubber. The older Rangers often have that much or more and no driveshaft vibrations.

 

[SenorNoob]

This is on your new one?

 

[Robert Mangrum]

Well I will grab a picture when the sun comes out today. It does mount to the frame or cross member. It seems kinda sloppy. I have developed a small vibration around 65. But let's be real. I wheel it offroad just about every weekend. Mostly gravel and forest roads. Probably could have something to do with all 4 wheels now have scuffs and scrapes. Maybe I should get them rebalance and see if that fixes it.

 

[sgtsandman]

I don’t remember the 2019+ Rangers having a two piece driveshaft.

 

[HenryMac]

I don’t remember the 2019+ Rangers having a two piece driveshaft.

Here's our 2019 SuperCab. It has a 2 piece driveshaft

 

[sgtsandman]

I'll have to remember to look under mine. I could swear it's a single piece shaft. Maybe a difference between the Supercab and Super Crew? I would think I would notice something like that but I am usually busy doing other things when I'm under there...

 

[Robert Mangrum]

I'll have to remember to look under mine. I could swear it's a single piece shaft. Maybe a difference between the Supercab and Super Crew? I would think I would notice something like that but I am usually busy doing other things when I'm under there...

Mine has a 2 peice and it's a super crew. Forgot to grab a photo was real busy today. But will try to tomorrow.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I'll have to remember to look under mine. I could swear it's a single piece shaft. Maybe a difference between the Supercab and Super Crew? I would think I would notice something like that but I am usually busy doing other things when I'm under there...

Same wheelbase.

99.4% positive they all got carrier bearings.

 

[SenorNoob]

Wonder what made Ford go with a 2-piece driveshaft again? Ease of assembly maybe?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Wonder what made Ford go with a 2-piece driveshaft again? Ease of assembly maybe?

Better breakover angle, less driveshaft deflection under high power settings, probably better nvh too.

Aside from carrier bearing maintenance I think they are kind of the better setup... never personally owned one though.

I know they survive having the vehicle moved with a payloader a lot better than a single piece. I found lots of minty perfect two pieces before I found a truck with a good single (bad trans, junked with trans and driveshaft in the bed)

 

[HenryMac]

The only single driveshaft 2019-2021 North American Rangers are one's that have been modified by their owners. Some folks are doing that after they have lifted their trucks and the driveshaft angles have caused vibration issues.

It’s done. One piece driveshaft!

This is not my truck..

 

[sgtsandman]

I’m going to take everyone’s word on faith on this one. But curiosity is going to kill this cat. So, when I get home, I’m gonna have to look.

I’ve had vehicles with both. So, it makes no difference to me. The CR-Vs I had never had an issue with the carrier bearing. Just the u-joints.

 

[sgtsandman]

Yep! Tunnel vision me. There IS. a carrier bearing up in there!