New Y-pipe puzzle ... no fun.

[Sheolraver]

Hi all. Trying to replace my y-pipe in stock '87 Ranger, 2.9. I got the standard Walker replacement from local parts store. Assumed (wrongly!) it would just wiggle in so the ball and socket pipe to manifold joints would meet. Looks like front differential driveshaft needs to come out for extra room to move.
Wondering if anyone has some insight. Any help would be vastly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[adsm08]

Front drive shaft has to be relocated for space. You should be able to unbolt it and just scoot it over though.

 

[Sheolraver]

Thanks for your input adsm08. Would that be the front driving axle yoke that holds the u-joint in place? Seems to have 4 Torx type bolts in it.

 

[bf750]

yup

 

[Sheolraver]

Thanks for corroborating bf750. Does anyone know what those bolts are? It has a hex bolt head but a torx-like opening in the top. I can fit an allen wrench into it but seems a little loose, afraid to strip it. No room to get a socket or open end wrench on the hex head.
Again, thanks for any help.

 

[Sheolraver]

Ended up having to drill out the bolts. They were toast.
Now ... any advice on how to get the dang drive shaft to move over some to slip my y-pipe in? I've never been so mechanically challenged before. Haha.

 

[SenorNoob]

Unless you have the high-rider option, you should be able to just pull the driveshaft out of the transfer case now. I'd set it completely out of the way. You might lose some transfer case oil. So be prepared for that. (Have more on hand and the fill plug loose.)

 

[AllanD]

If the front suspension is at "Full droop" you will find removing th front driveshaft very difficult.

The reason for this is that as the front suspension droops the axle swings to the rear...

So the shaft gets itself "Wedged" in place

When I am doing something that will require removing the front shaft I do that part of the job first...

I have to replace my Y-pipe this week too...

Mine has a split "Cone" on the left hand pipe