• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Bad Spindle Bearings & U-Joint


CrashDriver

Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2024
Messages
22
Reaction score
8
Location
NH
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Transmission
Manual
Hey guys, I bought a 1988 4x4 ranger and am wondering how deep in I am before I start ordering parts; it came with a bad passenger spindle bearing, and both the passenger u-joints are completely shot.

Is the spindle bearing replaceable? If so, where would be a good place to find one?

Is the short axle shaft that protrudes from the differential something I have to pull the diff apart to access, or how would one go about replacing it?
 


franklin2

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2019
Messages
3,755
Reaction score
1,911
Location
Virginia
Vehicle Year
1984
Make / Model
Bronco II
Transmission
Manual
If you have ever replaced the wheel bearings in a trailer, you can replace the wheel bearings in your truck, same theme and operation. You will have to punch out the races and pack the bearings with grease.

The axle shaft is more involved and more work. The u-joints can be difficult to get loose, you will need a press.

Since you are asking these questions I am wondering if you are over your head a little bit. Here's a link that will show you how everything comes apart and goes back together.

 

scotts90ranger

Well-Known Member
RBV's on Boost
Joined
Feb 28, 2001
Messages
8,635
Reaction score
5,271
Location
Dayton Oregon
Vehicle Year
1990, 1997
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.3 Turbo
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6
Tire Size
35"
The center U joint can be done in chassis but it will be a pain (I haven't done it personally), there's a C clip on that shaft holding it to the diff. For the spindle roller bearing they should be available but I haven't looked, I didn't do jack to my D28 when I had it, when I pulled it all the U joints were missing the rollers...

I just looked through Rock Auto and it looks like SKF BH2212 might be the spindle bearing but it's the same one they're showing for the Dana 35 so I highly question that... I think there's a parts breakdown of a D28 around here somewhere but my internet SUCKS so I don't have the patience to look very long...
 

CrashDriver

Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2024
Messages
22
Reaction score
8
Location
NH
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Transmission
Manual
If you have ever replaced the wheel bearings in a trailer, you can replace the wheel bearings in your truck, same theme and operation. You will have to punch out the races and pack the bearings with grease.

The axle shaft is more involved and more work. The u-joints can be difficult to get loose, you will need a press.

Since you are asking these questions I am wondering if you are over your head a little bit. Here's a link that will show you how everything comes apart and goes back together.

thanks for the info, that help page is what I really need.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Rick W
October Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

25th Anniversary Merch

Follow TRS On Instagram

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top