2006 Ford Ranger - replace Left front Axle

[Great_Big_Abyss]

EDIT: I picked up a CV axle from a wrecker's this afternoon.

The one I picked up is the axle at the bottom of the picture. I need a driver's side. I'm having doubts that I do, indeed have a driver's side axle. They say that the driver's side has a 'short stub axle'. Help?

I specifically asked them for a driver's side axle. I don't want to drive back to the junkyard tomorrow morning hoping that they have a driver's side in stock.


I need to replace the Left Front axle on my 2006 Ranger 4.0L 4x4. Truck is bone stock. Where can I find a procedure?

I also need to replace both tie-rods. Is there some information on this somewhere?

 

[88_Eddie]

google and/or youtube it. with a popular vehicle you can usually find someone else that has done it.

i was having issues changing out the cv axle on my buddies honda accord. got on youtube and found a video of someone doing it. went back to the garage and had it out in 10 seconds.

the tie rods will most likely screw onto the rack and pinion. there will be a jam nut on the threads as well. take the tie rod off the knuckle, loosen the jam nut and you can probably spin the tie rod off by hand. if it doesnt wanna budge, you can try some sort of penetrant or apply some heat to it.

 

[88_Eddie]

oh, and a haynes manual would probably have the procedure in it. they're less than $20 at a parts store usually. i'd pick one up just to have.

 

[shane96ranger]

It's a really easy process. It can be done in a couple of hours, so long as you have the right tools.

Here's a good write up over on Explorer Forums:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187964

EDIT: To me the left side is the drivers side... but if the left side is the passenger side to you, the only difference I can think of is the CV axle is a little different. I've sometimes had the axle shaft (inside the differential) pop out with the CV axle. It can be a buggar to get back in - and be really careful with the seal on the axle tube when putting it in if it happens to you.

 

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Okay, thanks. Will take all this information to the bank!

 

[adsm08]

Hours? I can do a Ranger CV axle in 20 minutes.

At work, on a lift, with a bunch of power tools and a huge industrial air compressor.

 

[shane96ranger]

Hours? I can do a Ranger CV axle in 20 minutes.

At work, on a lift, with a bunch of power tools and a huge industrial air compressor.

LOL. I was putting the entire front axle in when I did it - so my time is probably off. I know I can do a CV axle on an Escape in 30 minutes.

 

[Great_Big_Abyss]

It's a really easy process. It can be done in a couple of hours, so long as you have the right tools.

Here's a good write up over on Explorer Forums:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187964

EDIT: To me the left side is the drivers side... but if the left side is the passenger side to you, the only difference I can think of is the CV axle is a little different. I've sometimes had the axle shaft (inside the differential) pop out with the CV axle. It can be a buggar to get back in - and be really careful with the seal on the axle tube when putting it in if it happens to you.

I had a look at that link, and it is excellent. I believe that I can do this repair myself. I'll just have to buy a 32mm socket, and I should have all the tools. And, yes, left side is driver side.

 

[shane96ranger]

For the record, I've been using a 1 1/4" socket for years.

 

[Great_Big_Abyss]

I may actually have one of those. I'll check my toolbox.

Also, I found a used axle from a 2006 Ranger at a junkyard. I'll go take a look at it this evening.

Is there anything in particular I should be looking for to see if it's a good unit?

 

[Great_Big_Abyss]

bump. see first post edit.

 

[shane96ranger]

Yes, that is the drivers side. The passenger side actually has a female end that goes onto the splines of the axle shaft that resides in the housing.



Sent from a Commodore 64 using a 300 baud modem

 

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Hey Thanks. This puts my mind to rest, and I can start disassembly tomorrow without worrying that I have the wrong part.

Thanks Dude!

 

[shane96ranger]

No problem. The only reason I can think they would call it stubby is because it's on the short end of the pumpkin. Thus, it is the axle that goes into the differential. The other side connects to the aforementioned shaft in the housing.


EDIT: I got a phone call in the middle of that message and my phone decided to send it. Sorry.



Sent from a Commodore 64 using a 300 baud modem

 

[shane96ranger]

How did it go?