Back to me and should be mine again in a couple of weeks

[drew1]

Its been a couple of years since I've been on the forum. Then I was asking about this 2000 4WD, Manual, 3.0 V6, with LS rear end and recomendation for a shop that my son could have it repaired around Asheville, NC. At the time, he had a rebuilt long block installed.

This Ranger had been around the family since I bought it new. Last fall working in California, gas prices were eating him up among truck's other issues. He bought a Subaru Wilderness Crosstrek and was going to drive the Ranger home to SC for Christmas and fly back. The weekend before Christmas, brakes quit on I40 at Milan, NM. Axle was coming out of rear end. The shop where it was at told him that they could start Monday, but would not have all the parts until Tuesday. He was lucky when a guy pulled up in a Ranger and offered a ride to Albuqucurque aieport for a tank of gas.

Fast forward, a couple of weeks ago the truck arrived in my yard. I see a new axle and maybe new backing plate on passenger side. I do not see any evidence that differential cover has been removed. I suspect that C clip was not put on new axle. Planning to pull the cover and check before driving truck to our old place in the country for other repairs. Will post pics.

 

[RobbieD]

That's a good looking truck, and you're the original owner, to boot.

That, my friend, is a huge win.

Reminds me of a classic line:
"Like a coin that won't get tossed
Rolling home to you"

Well done!

 

[Curious Hound]

Good luck with it.

 

[bobbywalter]

hmmm

drum i assume if it came out before.

why it came out being important.

generally that is a twisted off unit. fairly clean or penciled break.

anything else would usually result in side gear and ring/pinion destruction.

if it was an clutch type l/s diff non torsen, for sure that spring coming out of there with a c clip or popped button would cause an issue or 70.

never know though.

 

[superj]

thats a great looking truck

 

[drew1]

RobbyD and superj, thanks for complement. That is good side of the truck. It has a dented right front fender and side window in camper cover is gone.

 

[drew1]

bobbywalter,

Think it is clutch type. On a wet paved road, when getting on it a little turning into traffic, could feel a couple of twitches. A buddy and I went to help out at a PCA race at Road Atlanta. During church hour on Sunday, workers got to make a couple of laps. On the turns you could hear one tire then the other barking.

When the axle came out, I think it was the first time. I've got a feeling the bearing went causing it and will at least find a c clip in the differential.

 

[drew1]

Eric, think I remember you from last time I was on the forum. Thanks for the "good luck". Going to need it. Among the issues is the rebuilt long block put in two years ago may be shot. While in California, it got to using oil bad. In a folder of receipts that my son gave me is for work being done replacing rear main seal. Still using oil per my son. Catyleitc Converters are clogged according to shop he took it to to have it checked out before starting trip. Crossing my fingers for pvc valve.

 

[Shran]

If they installed a new axle shaft and backing plate then they did remove the diff cover and installed a C clip. If there was no C clip then the axle shaft would have fallen out immediately. Simple as that.

This one had a C clip wear out and it fell out of the carrier. We had to walk next to the truck and push the shaft back in as it was rolling. If we didn't do that it would fall out every 20 feet.

 

[bobbywalter]

If they installed a new axle shaft and backing plate then they did remove the diff cover and installed a C clip. If there was no C clip then the axle shaft would have fallen out immediately. Simple as that.

This one had a C clip wear out and it fell out of the carrier. We had to walk next to the truck and push the shaft back in as it was rolling. If we didn't do that it would fall out every 20 feet.

View attachment 138927

thats what i was saying....cant just shove an axle in there and have it seat unless the button popped off and it and the clip went for a ride.

and if that happened...odds of it being usable are slim. i suspect a clean break or penciled shaft....and was probable a bastard to fish out after dropping the spiders and pin

 

[drew1]

Shran,

Thanks. That is what I am afraid of if I drive it.

The truck was loaded on and probably off a car transport several times and was brought here. Should I pull the cover and check? Would probably need a new tube of RTV and some new dope or gear oil. I know you and bobbywalter think it would be a waste of time and money.

I do not. Something is not quite right about this. My son was given a n estimate of $800 for 2 new axles bearings and brakes on both sides of rear. I see one new axle. I think it was Christmas Eve when the shop called and told him it was ready and that he would have to get it moved. He told them he would find a carrier. He got a quote of $1200 to get it back to SC. He thought not worth it, so from the shop he got the number of the guy who had given him a ride to Albucurque. He had been going on about how he wished he had a truck like that. But when my son wanted his address to send him the title he did not want it. The shop owner did not want it and they knew nobody that wanted it, so I'm blessed with it. In NM with the trails on the Indian Reservations, who would not want a 4wd Ranger?

It was 11:00 here on Jan 5 when I called the shop. I wanted to let them know that the truck would get picked up the next day and wanted to know if they put friction modifier in the new rear end dope. I'm old and hard of hearing and could not make hide nor hair of what the office woman was saying so I told her that I would email and my email was not answered. A new axle with no evidence that a socket has been on the differental cover bolts. yeah I'm looking. Maybe they put in a c clip eliminator like some of the racing Mustangs use, but I need to know something.

 

[bobbywalter]

i understand the concern. completely.


it is valid as you have no way to verify.

get the jack out. anytime you have any inkling of anything wrong with the drive train stop and jack it up and check stuff. ball joints, tie rods, bushings ect....just a loose wheel about to pop off.....can save your life or others.

simple enough. jack it up and check the end play.

pull the cover.

i suspect they drove the fawk out of it to make sure it was ok. and this may be the reason it looks unopened. if they said they never test drove it, i would be worried. driving it to make sure the brakes are functioning correctly and there is no bearing and seal leak issues is necessary for the repair.