Newbie question about drivetrain

[jeepjinx]

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[wrecking-crew]

worn u joints do that

 

[srteach]

That is a known issue with 98-00 Rangers. There has been a TSB released by Ford that tells you to take apart the (one piece) driveline and grease the splines. Many here have installed a zerk when they took the driveline apart. If you do that, you just squeeze some grease in there at service.

If you service it, make sure you time it correctly when you put it back in. They are balanced when in time.

 

[Captain Ledd]

If you service it, make sure you time it correctly when you put it back in. They are balanced when in time.

X2 !!!!!!!

Take a marker or tape or something that will stay on it when you take it apart and make sure the marks line up afterwards.

Time refers to the u-joints, they don't follow a smooth path/rotation so they need to be set up to they counter-act eachother and balance the shaft smoothly.

 

[jeepjinx]

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[Toms01PSD]

How many miles on it? And it will be a one-piece shaft.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Afterthoughts: If it's a "one-piece" shaft, how do you get it apart? Any writeups w/pics you can share? This Ranger has the 3.0L, better or worse than the 4.0L? Anything I should look for / be aware of on these trucks?

Take it apart by unbolting it from the flanges, usually on the side the slip joint is on. And yes, it will be a one-piece, the 2 piece shafts ended in '97 IIRC.

Edit - the t-case might have a yoke actually... Still same principle, just unbolt it.

Some don't particularly care for the 3.0L. The one I drove was an auto and it wasn't that bad, had much more low end grunt than my 4cyl (as sad as that is). I didn't mind driving it.

 

[jeepjinx]

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