Axle Slinger?

[Mike1919]

As most of you know, I'm replacing my balljoints on my 93 ranger with dana 35 ttb. However I'm curious as to what the "slinger" is. I know it goes on the axle shaft and sits right behind the spindle, but i always thought a slinger was something to sling oil onto moving parts. What they call the slinger alpears to be a dust shield to me. Also I noticed the haynes manual said a pfess is needed to install it. When I removed the spindle, it fell right off and the new one slid right on. I didn't need a press. I'm at a loss here so input is appreciated, thank you.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

My wag is it's to prevent oil from reaching some area.

 

[Mike1919]

I just found it strange the haynes manual stated a press is needed to install it when it slid right on for me.

 

[PlumCrazy]

The rubber piece will slip right on, but the metal flange it fits on is press fit onto the axle shaft yoke....Some aftermarket shafts don't include the flange and it has to resused from the old one

 

[Mike1919]

Well thats where I'm lost. It doesn't look like I have that metal flange, the rubber just slips right over the axle shaft surface.