88 ranger front right axle Question!!

[kunar]

sorry, i just realized the thread title says right side, somehow i missed that part before. it definitely sounds like the outer c-clip is missing. it also sounds like the inner is probably missing as well. a little play is normal, but what youre describing is definitely not. you should read up on the c-clip eliminator mod like panama mentioned before. basically, by spring-loading the slip joint,you can get away without the inner c-clip. guys do this to make changing the shafts or u-joints easier. it would be a way to fix your situation without pulling the diff. hope that helps.

 

[djk]

Thanks Kunar! And it's all good we all have those times. But yeah i will definitily give that a try when i get the chance thanks again everyone

 

[Jim Oaks]

It's to cold to go outside and take pics, so that diagram will have to do;

Pull the wheel and right front hub off. Look at where the axle shaft comes through the spindle. You'll see that there are spindle lock nuts that hold the rotor on the spindle. If you look, you should also see a washer and retaining clip on the end of the axle shaft. It actually keeps that shaft from moving in towards the center of the vehicle. It's referred to as the axle shaft spacer and snap ring.

He probably didn't put that washer (axle shaft spacer) back on. It's one of those parts that will cause your axle to disengage the hub while in 4WD, and cause the r/front wheel to engage/disengage in 4wd.

 

[djk]

Hey Jim, what you just spoke of is exactly what happens after a couple minutes of being in 4 wheel drive. I honestly think this is what he forgot and i am definitely going to talk to him about this. If that's the case and this is the problem, and he happens to not have the spacer, can i just go to my napa or parts store to order this part?

 

[fyre82]

I have a snap ring, axle spacer and thrust bearing if you would like them.

PM me

Rich