1986 ranger front axle problem

[sloshua88]

I was just wondering does the passenger side front axle shaft have a slip joint where it can move in and out? I just got the truck today and seen that the axle is out of the hub and doesnt act long enough

 

[dennis461]

Need some pics...

 

[sloshua88]

ill take some pics tomarow, But just the axle is half in the hub and half out and just doesnt act long enough lol

 

[adsm08]

yeah, need pics. Sounds like a problem. there shouldn't really be much side to side movement (some for axle flex, but not tons).

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Sounds like the c clip and splined washer are missing from the end of the axle shaft. This keeps the shaft engaged into the splines of the hub.

 

[trail B2]

Sounds like the c clip and splined washer are missing from the end of the axle shaft. This keeps the shaft engaged into the splines of the hub.

x2 Pull both front wheels and hubs see what parts are missing on the right side

 

[sloshua88]

Ill take pics when i get home and will check out the otherside, last night when i tried to put the axle shaft back in the hub it wouldnt stretch that far.theres like a 3-4" gap between the seat and the hub.

 

[sloshua88]

I figured it out, The slip yoke on the front right axle was rusted in all the way and wouldnt let it come out and into the hub. Got it unstuck and works good. I have to get some new wheel bearing lock nuts and washers tho.

 

[Jspafford]

But wait... There should have been no way for it to compress and not come back out with the suspension movements.

What I mean is, there is supposed to be a C-clip on the end of the shaft, about 1" from the end where the hub slides over. This C-clip is supposed to keep the axleshaft from pulling out like yours did.

Do you or do you not have that c-clip?

 

[sloshua88]

Yes there is a c clip on the end of the axle, Im just guessing the guy before didnt know what he was doing and it rusted in the yoke and he just said screw it and got rid of the truck lol. Ive still gotta get some parts for the wheel bearing lock nuts and washers. There was no washer, only 1 lock nut and the axle has some in and out play.