Front axle shaft/spindle

[Gbear924]

Hello, new to the forum here.

Just picked up an 88 Ranger 4x4 with a 6” suspension lift and 3” body, and she is tired and has been worked on a bunch by amateurs. I’m not afraid of any repairs, I am a mechanic by trade but I have little 4x4 experience.

After going over the truck a bit, I found both front axle shafts to have a lot of play in them at the wheel side- not the u joints but where they go into the spindle. Also the manual hubs would not lock.

I took the hubs off today and they were quite gummed up, cleaned up ok though and they both actuate now. The real reason for the post is this:

I expected to see a snap ring and spacer at the very end of the axle shaft, but there was nothing but tons of play- so much that the splines in the hub don’t line up right.

Does anyone have a parts breakdown for the end of the axle shaft at the spindle side? Or know what is supposed to be there? I’m sure the spindle bearings are shot but I want to put on the right parts when I do the job.

Thanks in advance-
G

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site. Have a look in the tech library...

Ford Ranger Dana 28 / Dana 35 Repair & Rebuild (therangerstation.com)