Front Axle Stub Shaft removal.

[Pavoner]

It looks like I will be replacing U-Joints on the front axle on my, 1997 Ford Ranger (think it's a Dana 35...) 4.0L, Auto (5R55E), extended cab. The right front (outboard) seems to of developed a lot of play in the last 4 months (last time I checked them...). I haven't had a chance to get under there and check the one on the stub shaft, but I am unable to find info on removing the stub shaft either in my Chilton manual or on here... Does it just pull out or is there a "C" clip in there that needs to be removed like the rear axle? I have never had to do U-Joints on a Ranger before any other thing you guys think is pertinent please don't hesitate to let me know.

Thanks again,

Chris

 

[97BlackBetty]

I did a write up in this thread towards the bottom.

Click Here

 

[engdept]

If you have to do the outer u-joint (the one closest to the tire), just remove the boot that is in the middle of the passenger side shaft and the outer u-joint will pull out. If it is the inner, you have to remove the pig to get the c-clip out of the carrier so you can remove the axle.

If you remove the axle, you should do the c-clip eliminator mod so you NEVER have to pull the pig again to change a u-joing. Here is a how-to for it:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26488

 

[Pavoner]

Wow, that sucks! Thanks for the info sorry for starting a new thread when there was already a write up. Man do I hope I don't have to change that U-Joint!

 

[97BlackBetty]

The first time I did u-joints on my truck it took me and 2 buddys three days to get it all buttoned back up. Now I can tear the whole front end out, change joints, and put it back, in about 2 hours. But yea, the first time is a little intimidating.

 

[Pavoner]

anyone ever tried to change the inner U-Joint without removing that whole pig? is there any reason Ford would not of put just a regular diff cover on the front of the beam? strength? just currious/angry/scared... don't wan't to tear that thing outa there!

Thanks again all!

 

[engdept]

It is SUPER easy to take the pig out and put it back. If you read the how-to on the c-clip eliminator and do it, you wont have to take the pig out anymore.

The ONLY way you learn is to do.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

You can do it in place, but you need to torch the old joint out and use a u joint press to get the new one in.