Broken automatic hub cam assembly

[SuprchgredSi]

Hey guys,

I have a 1996 Ranger 4WD and I've been having some vibration issues on my passenger side tire. I took apart the whole hub and rotor assembly and found that my hub had started to crack and the spindle nut had all of its threads completely sheared off so it was just sliding around in the hub. This also caused the cam assembly to get damaged beyond repair and I can't seem to find any online that are readily available.

I don't use 4WD at all, so my main question is would there be any issues if I put the whole assembly back together with a new spindle nut and hub, but without the cam assembly? I don't really feel like converting over to the manual hub unless absolutely necessary since I don't use 4WD.

Thanks,
Jimmy

 

[cvar]

Yes, it's OK because a new WB adjusting (ie, spindle) nut would hold the wheel bearings in place, and the locking pin would prevent that nut from loosening, and the hub itself holds the rotor & wheel-rim in place, and the C-clip (plus its 2 washers) prevent your axle shaft from shifting in/out. That's all you need.

The only issue would be dirt getting inside through the crack in your broken auto hub casing.

Have you searched ebay? Or craigslist? Or local JY?

 

[SuprchgredSi]

Thanks! I looked on ebay and craigslist with no luck. Haven't looked around here at junkyards yet. I had to get a new mile marker hub since the old one was cracked, which allows for the manual locking conversion. Would it be worth it to buy the manual locking conversion kit and install it, but never engage the 4WD? This would keep the dirt out and should still work the same as before.

 

[Big Jim M]

Just because it isn't listed on eBay doesn't mean it isn't there, it MAY be there. Find guys listing parts for a similar vehicle and send them a question about YOUR NEEDS. Do this to 8 or 10 listings and you will find the part you need.
Big Jim

 

[Andy D]

Does the Jeep D 35 stuff interchange? I would imagine they must to some extent.

 

[SuprchgredSi]

I have a D28 unfortunately

 

[Andy D]

Are you sure about the D 28? The Rat is a 94 and it has a D 35.

 

[cvar]

You can check it easily enough.
Dana 35 front axle-shaft has 27 splines and measures 1.16 inches diameter.
Dana 28 axle shaft has 23 splines and 0.98" diameter.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/dana_28_35.shtml