New rear axle requires different drum brake hardware

[don4331]

Does it have a tag on the rear cover? Should say something like 4L10 verus 4 10

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-rear-axles/ about 1/2 way down page.

 

[Paisano]

No. The metal tag was taken off. I was told sometimes the remanufactured ones don't come with the tag. But it has a serial number and part number that correspond with 8.8/4.10

 

[Paisano]

The new rear axle assembly is completely installed now. I've been working on it by myself for days. I think all I have left is brakes and bleed.

I've done drum brakes before. But this new axle uses similar but different hardware. In the photo above, what is the orientation to the front of the truck?
(if for example an arrow was used). Is the hardware setup the same for both driver and passenger side rear?

 

[Bgunner]

Drum brakes are mirror images of each other. This means that if a spring goes towards the front it will on both sides, if it goes on the rear the same spring will go on the rear of the other side as well.

 

[Paisano]

Ok. Thanks. I just wanted to make sure because my Chilton manual pictures don't show the updated drum brake hardware pieces.
But it does say the long end of the adjuster screw points toward the front of the truck. So this will help with orientation.

Also, someone at the factory wrote '4.10 L' on the axle housing. This might answer Don's question asked earlier in this discussion. This assembly did not come with the metal ID tag.

 

[JoshT]

If your truck is still on stands grab one wheel and spin it. Does the opposite wheel turn in the same direction or the opposite direction?

If both wheels turn same direction, it is indicative of a limited slip or locked axle. Turning in opposite directions is a sign of an open differential. This will let you know if you have a "4.10" or a "4.10 L".

 

[Paisano]

I don't want to change the subject too far from brakes. But the manufacturer said I have a conventional axle..
And correction..............someone at the factory chalk-marked '4.10 N'. This means it is a 4.10 with NEW gears.

Thanks for the info Josh

 

[Paisano]

I was able to mix and match a few pieces from different model years to make it work. Done.
Thanks.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Clearly time for the Mustange rear disk brake upgrade as described in the TechLibrary.

Best upgrade I ever did for my 2002 Ranger. Also have a journal with photos from my upgrade if helpful.

 

[Paisano]

Yeah. That 8.8 rear axle retrofit complicated things with the drum brakes. You know the wheel cylinder push rods (also called links)? They don't make those anymore for my model year. So I had to buy the ones made for Jeep. And it worked.

I did some reading about that Ranger rear disc brake conversion you speak of. I got other tasks pending with home and truck. So that conversion would be a few years down the road for me. I wouldn't mind saving your project photos to my hard drive....if it's not any inconvenience for you.