Rear axle bearing failure

[acconboy]

Hey folks - have an interesting question. My daughter and I have been rebuilding a bronco 2 as her first car, and we came across a problem with the rear axle. the right rear axle bearing failed badly, and left quite an egg on the end of the axle tube. Can I use a repair bearing here, or am I needing to find a replacement rear end?

 

[Dirtman]

I don't see any good way to fix that. While you may be able to get a bearing to hold, the chance of a repeat failure is high and it'll never seal properly. I'd say don't even bother and just start calling junkyards for a whole new rear.

 

[acconboy]

Thanks Dirtman - that is what I was afraid of. Basically a catastrophic failure....

 

[Dirtman]

I'd also be cautious because with the axle shaft wobbling that badly, there is likely damage to the spider gears, cross pin, carrier bearings etc even if it's not immediately visible.

It's just... not good no matter how you look at it.

Complete rears are pretty plentiful and usually not too expensive though. Around here you can get a one in really great shape for $200 or less.

 

[acconboy]

Sadly, there isnt a single B2 in a junkyard for over 100 miles around here (SW Missouri). Likely have to either roadtrip or ship to find one. If it werent for the fact that we have already put so much into it (new complete fuel system (including new feedback carb), ignition, most of the wiring, starter, brakes and calipers, etc) then I might consider looking for something else. This far into it though, we are too invested (time wise) to walk away.

 

[Dirtman]

If you can weld or know someone who can, a ranger axle will fit if you move the spring perches. Explorer axle would be even better but also require moving the perches. They are both otherwise pretty direct swaps.

 

[ecgreen]

Check https://www.car-part.com and ebay

 

[acconboy]

What year explorer should I be looking for

 

[adsm08]

What year explorer should I be looking for

Any year up to 2001 will work about the same. 95+ are more likely to have limited slip and disc brakes if you want those.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I think there will be a width difference between certain years. Up to 2" wider on the later years. I'm on my phone or I would link to the article(s), but check the tech section.
Also I ran a ranger axle in a b2 by drilling a couple holes thru the perch for the u-bolt and using a 1/2" plate to center the axle. I have pics in a build thread somewhere but again, I'm on my phone.

 

[Dirtman]

You will need to cut off/weld spring perches on anything that's not a b2. Explorers are spring under, like @alwaysFlOoReD said you may get away with offset blocks or redrilling on the ranger.

 

[acconboy]

Yeah, I am resigned to having to grab either a ranger or explorer axle and moving the perches. I do want one that is as close as possible to the original length though.

 

[ecgreen]

Why not just track down another 7.5? Are you planning on running large tires? They are all over ebay and car-parts. Might even find free shipping.

 

[Dirtman]

Why not just track down another 7.5? Are you planning on running large tires? They are all over ebay and car-parts. Might even find free shipping.

You still have to move the perches unless it comes out of another b2 which is not very easy to find. If you gotta do the work anyway, why not get a better axle while you're at it?

 

[ecgreen]

You still have to move the perches unless it comes out of another b2 which is not very easy to find. If you gotta do the work anyway, why not get a better axle while you're at it?

OK, I didn't know that. I thought a bronco frame was just a ranger frame minus some mid section.

And yes, if you gotta move stuff, I would go 8.8 as well.