Help with possible bad front pinion bearing

[smittylopez]

I got a stock 1993 4.0 Ranger with 5-speed and auto Tcase. The front drive shaft is loose and will move up and down where it goes into the front axle. When I got it in 4wd, the front end pops a little bit. My questions:
1. Could this hopefully just require a front bearing and seal?
2. Can the front seal and bearing be replaced without tearing apart the front end meaning just removing the front drive shaft?

Justin

 

[MAKG]

If you're massively lucky, perhaps.

But I'd sure want to get a good look at the gearset. It's probably a doorstop.

Floppy Pinion Syndrome has a way of chipping ring gear teeth and causing general carnage. Especially if the differential has been "popping."

This assumes that the motion is not in the frontmost U-joint. If it's there, you just need a $20 U-joint and nothing more.

 

[smittylopez]

so if carnage exists then a new pinion and ring gear might be needed only?

 

[MAKG]

Do you really think that's cheaper than a whole pig?

It's possible, but not likely. Any moving part can swallow the chipped teeth.

 

[smittylopez]

hmm... lol trying to get by as cheap as possible. I picked this up for $400.00and it runs great with COLD ac other than the front end problem. Just looking for a mountain beater.

 

[MAKG]

For the cost of a whole junkyard pig, you can get your new gears installed. It's not a good DIY unless you're extremely anal.

Make sure you get the right gear ratio or your 4WD will be decoration.