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4x4 axle end parts question


rumblecloud

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I replaced the calipers on my Ranger awhile back and noticed that on the passenger side axle end there is a spacer and spring clip, but not on the driver's side.

Went to the pull yard and found a 94 4.0L 4x4 Splash, same as mine but on a Styleside, pulled the driver's side wheel and scavenged the spacer and spring clip.

Went to install and they won't fit. The axle won't pull out fer enough to allow both the spacer and the clip to fit into the slot just before the splines. Tried pry bards, etc to gain enough room, but no joy.

Any ideas? and will this be an issue?
 

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Shran

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You need to push the axle shaft outwards. It doesn't take much, I can usually stick a pry bar between the shaft and the C on the axle housing. The shaft should move fairly easily, the clip keeps it centered inside the knuckle. You should try to put it on. It's probably not critical on the driver's side, the passenger side is far more important since the shafts move quite a bit more.
 

rumblecloud

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Hey Shran, thanks for the response. I'm up to my neck in a head replacement, but while it's on the blocks and when I get tired of leaning over the fenders, I'll get on my knees :pray:
 

rumblecloud

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Finally got around to giving your suggestion a shot. The axle does move very easily in and out. Using a pry bar as suggested, but still can't gain enough space to fit the spacer and the retainer clip. I measured the passenger side from the axle end in at 1-1/2" and the driver's side at 1-3/8."
Is it possible to have one axle shorter than the other? Are there different size axles?
Okay that was a dumb question.

What can be stopping the axle from coming out far enough? I really leaned on the pry bar too. Just need a fraction of an inch - maybe a 16th, but that would eliminate any play and I read in this section that there should be some lateral play

I know I had the auto hubs swapped for manuals prolly 15 years ago but they wouldn't have to touch the axles.
I'll keep digging to see what I can find.
 
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scotts90ranger

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There's some stuff out there on differences between the spindles for ABS in the '95-97 Rangers being different but I don't remember exactly what changed but it did cause what you are looking into, I haven't seen 4x4Junkie around recently but I'm sure he knows...
 

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Let’s put up the bat signal for him

@4x4junkie
 

rumblecloud

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Thank you gentlemen. I appreciate it.
 

bobbywalter

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From not having it on, there is probably shit built up behind it.


Or the previous guy double slingered it in the seal stack up.

Pull it apart....may be easier to get the spindle from the yard you got the clip and thrust washer from if the inner spindle bearing is in good shape on that one and keep yours as a spare if bad....otherwise be prepared to change yours.
 
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SenorNoob

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I had the same problem when I assembled mine. took me two days to get it right. I had to order in the correct spindle seals.
 

4x4junkie

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Or the previous guy double slingered it in the seal stack up.
Sorry I've been absent for a bit...

This would be my guess also..

There were two different styles of axle shaft seals used behind the spindles on these frontends, the changeover year being 1992-1993. The later style seals seem a little bit harder to find (though not impossible), it's possible a previous owner may not have been able to find them and instead put the earlier style ones on, and while doing so left an extra piece in there (such as the pressed-in inner shaft seal, this would need to be removed from the rear of the spindle so that the older-style V-groove seal has a place to go). This can also happen if the axle shafts themselves were swapped with ones from an earlier (pre-'93) truck, they would likely have the older style seals on them.

Hopefully that helps. Agreed with the above, removal & inspection of the spindle and seals is likely in order here.
 

Josh B

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My thoughts went there too when I read "I had the auto hubs swapped" in post 4
 

rumblecloud

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Awesome! Now I have something else to do :yahoo:
Seriously though, thanks for all your input. That's next on the list as soon as I get the top end back together and running.

No experience in that area so it'll be fun.
 

rumblecloud

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I apologize for resurrecting this post, but...I'm finally being forced to figure it out.
The original question was about the spacer and C-clip at the end of each front axle. The axle goes through the spindle and sticks out just far enough to allow a spacer and a c-clip to be snapped into the slot on the axle end. The right side axle has enough room to allow that while the left side axle does not.

After pulling everything to do the ball joints, this is what I get:
20220123_202920.jpg

The axle ass'y on the left has what I think is a slinger and what's left of an oil seal. The right side has neither of those.
Which one is right?
The one on the left didn't have enough room for the spacer AND the c-clip. The other side did, but was missing the seal and sling.
If I replace those parts, then neither side will have room for the spacer and the clip.

Not sure what to do. Thanks for any input/advice.

I
 

Shran

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The one on the left is how I have always seen them.

The big round piece on the axle shaft is a dust wiper seal...what I always called them anyway. https://www.amazon.com/Timken-SBK4-Bearing-Seal/dp/B000BZAECS

Little seal there goes up against the spindle bearing, then the smaller round spacer.

Why it doesn't fit in your case is beyond me. It's supposed to be tight but not impossibly tight. I would clean everything up really well and add new parts... make sure you're not doubled up on any one piece. You should have just enough shaft to get the splined washer and C clip on and you shouldn't have to pry outwards while trying to install the clip.

I assume you've got ABS knuckles/spindles on your truck since it's a 94?
 

rumblecloud

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Thanks a bunch for the link. The nomenclature is so varied, it's difficult to be sure you're ordering the right part. I'm hoping that by thoroughly cleaning up everything, I'll get that fraction of an inch. On the right side with the spacer and clip installed, there is still a little play. I'm hoping that's enough to install the missing pieces.

As far as the ABS goes, it's only on the rear. (y)
 

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