HELP! Tire rubbing due to to worn axle pivot insulators.

[87RangerSTX]

HELP! Tire rubbing due to to worn axle radius arm insulators.

My '85 B2 XLT that I just bought is having a little problem. The axle radius arm insulators look in pretty bad shape. The drivers side is worse than the passenger. When I turn slightly to the left, the out edge of the tire barely rubs on the rear corner of the fender. But when I turn the other way everything clears on the pass. side. I have brand new insulators, still in the package, that came with a parts rig I have but the way my service manuel says to replace these involves taking the coil spring and other things off first. Any suggestions or tricks to make the insulator replacement any less of a hassle? Any help would be awsome. Thanks.

 

[gotmudd]

My '85 B2 XLT that I just bought is having a little problem. The axle radius arm insulators look in pretty bad shape. The drivers side is worse than the passenger. When I turn slightly to the left, the out edge of the tire barely rubs on the rear corner of the fender. But when I turn the other way everything clears on the pass. side. I have brand new insulators, still in the package, that came with a parts rig I have but the way my service manuel says to replace these involves taking the coil spring and other things off first. Any suggestions or tricks to make the insulator replacement any less of a hassle? Any help would be awsome. Thanks.

there is no "easy" way, sorry to say. you have to remove the spring and then set the frame down on blocks

 

[87RangerSTX]

Well, thanks anyways. Guess I'll get started with the frustration then.

 

[metalmacguyver]

PB Blaster is your friend.

 

[4x4junkie]

Removing the radius arm crossmember from the frame is generally easier than dropping the whole axle. You'll need to grind off some rivets and replace them with bolts though.

 

[87RangerSTX]

Well, thanks anyways. Guess I'll get started with the frustration then.

Yea I know. I seriously buy that stuff by the case.

 

[87RangerSTX]

Removing the radius arm crossmember from the frame is generally easier than dropping the whole axle. You'll need to grind off some rivets and replace them with bolts though.

So what all needs removed then? If you can't tell, I haven't had this problem before. I just hope that this is what is causing the rubbing. The front insulator is squished, cracked and looks thinner than the new ones I have.

 

[4x4junkie]

4 rivets & 4 bolts IIRC.

 

[lil red]

and mabe a slichtly thinner tire, to prevent haveing to do it again, or mabe thinner wheels

 

[87RangerSTX]

and mabe a slichtly thinner tire, to prevent haveing to do it again, or mabe thinner wheels

I dont really have that option right now since cash flow is a little low and I don't have a smaller set of spares. I knew that they would be tight clearances on the front for turning anyways as my B2 is stock 4x4 height and has 235/75R15's on it.

 

[kunar]

I dont really have that option right now since cash flow is a little low and I don't have a smaller set of spares. I knew that they would be tight clearances on the front for turning anyways as my B2 is stock 4x4 height and has 235/75R15's on it.

you shouldnt have any problem with those tires on any stock ranger or b2. tey arent much bigger than stock and they fit fine.

 

[87RangerSTX]

you shouldnt have any problem with those tires on any stock ranger or b2. tey arent much bigger than stock and they fit fine.

Yea, I know they should. Its just the bad radius arm insulators that cause it to rub on the rear of the front fender when turning. Im thinking now if anything elso would cause my problem besides the shot insulators. Everything else seems to be fine though.

 

[87RangerSTX]

Removing the radius arm crossmember from the frame is generally easier than dropping the whole axle. You'll need to grind off some rivets and replace them with bolts though.

Thanks 4x4junkie! I just swaped my insulators today with your method of crossmember removal. I worked great and my tires don't rub at all now. Once again thanks alot.

 

[4x4junkie]

Glad I could help!