Front Axle question

[bloydbuckingbulls]

I bought a 96 mazda b4000 4x4 from a kid. I got it for next to nothing. Clutch was out and 4x4 didn't work. Got the clutch fixed. I took the front wheels off and noticed that the axle shaft ends were not sticking out far enough to engage the locking hubs. I purchase the missing washers and half moon retaining clips that fit in the grooves of the shafts. I really had to pry on the u joint to get the passenger side to come out far enough to get the clip on. My question is: Is there anything else that keeps those shafts in place? The passenger side washers have broken and the shaft has fallen back inside the hub. There's just too much pressure on it. Are those shafts supposed to be pressed into the back side of the hub? The only thing keeping them in place are those thin little washers and that little clip.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[bloydbuckingbulls]

btt

 

[jcwest1]

the little c-clips is what holds the axle out- I don't think there should be that much pressure on them though. if you take the c-clip off mine the axle will travel back & forth an inch or 2

 

[AllanD]

what produces most of the tension against those washers and the circlip is the SEAL on the back side of the spindle.

If earlier shafts with the wrong set of seal parts are installed....

or the thrust washer (plastic) that's staked to the inner shaft seal
has gotten out of position...



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