Opening up wheels/brakes/axles for projects, could use some parts selection help

[eightynine4x4]

Is it ok to use brake parts cleaner on the axle shafts? Just want to clean them up while they’re out, not sure what substance to use.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Is it ok to use brake parts cleaner on the axle shafts? Just want to clean them up while they’re out, not sure what substance to use.

Yes.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Got it all out. Wasn’t easy, even with the right tools.
Second one was the leaking one. At some point I also yanked out a single bearing in this process. It wasnt loose inside.
No idea how worn these bearings are but I’m glad I’m replacing them.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Do the rear bearings get grease? Don’t see mention of it in the Haynes.
Edit: found mention of Rear Bearing Grease for bearings, and general purpose grease for seals.
Will either of these below work for both purposes?

 

[Roert42]

I believe grease is probably Unnessiary, because the oil should flow up into the axel tube with proper fill level.

I don't think it will hurt anything to pack the bearings before assembly.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Here’s something kind of important seeming..
The o ring of right axle shaft is resting seated towards the spine, making it tighter into axle and allowing the c clip to be easier to access, and the o ring of left axle shaft is resting seated away from spline, making it less inside of axle and making it more difficult to access the c clip.
Should I leave them as is or should I correct one or the other?

 

[Ranger850]

do the O rings fit into a groove? If not, I would think it doesn't matter and you could adjust whichever O ring to wherever was best. If the O rings fit into a groove, then they are where they are supposed to be.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Is changing the rear shoes/springs easier when the axle shafts are out?
I realized I don’t have the springs and won’t be able to get them until Monday.
I’m anxious to get the axle shafts installed though, to decrease the number of parts I have scattered around.

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

So eightynine4x4, you're already way past this, but Lefty had mentioned also wanting the video, so assuming embeds work, this is me pulling c-clips this morning:

Doing the drum brake hardware is absolutely easier with the shafts out, especially if you've never done it before, but it's technically possible with them in as well.

If you're still thinking of doing an LSD clutch refresh, the two ways I've seen to get the S-spring back in are to tension it with a big hose clamp, put it back in, and cut the clamp in half and pull it out, or what I actually did: temporarily tension each side of the S-spring to the center with vice grips, then slip on a ~10mm open wrench to hold the tension. Get the spring started back into the diff, and the wrenches will knock themselves off on the side spider gears, then you knock it the rest of the way in with a block of wood or something.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Got a bearing installed but am uncertain it is in fully. Here are pics, sorta showing the inside edge. I’ve banged at it bunch more times and it seems to not go in any more. However you can see a little lip of those seat edges. It’s in evenly, just not sure deep enough. Will try other side and compare results, maybe that will reveal something.

 

[eightynine4x4]

Ok, it seems I am missing a whole bunch of components in my rear drum brake system. And, that the same exact set of components are missing from both sides.
So, either
A, I have a different version of components than I'm finding anyone else has,
or B, a previous owner scavenged these particular parts from both sides so i'm missing them.

Here's a pic of just having removed the first two springs up top. That's all i had touched at this point.
Comparing it to this brake disassembly vid of a 1990 Ranger, https://youtu.be/rlUeUk8swLg , (skip to 4:00) I have several things missing including some cables and pivot bracket type things.

Additionally, the parking brake piece/strut is not what i was expecting. I was expecting something like this https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=11585&cc=1137642&pt=10715&jsn=952 , but all i've found is this wildly different piece attached to a spring/cable shown in last pic.

No idea where to go from here. Am i missing pieces? I'm happy to thoroughly clean and recondition what i have, but i can't tell right now if i'll ever be able to make these assemblies function/complete.

On a side note, I'm almost positive i've been rolling with zero rear braking since i got the truck.

Right:

Left:

Right, disassembled and showing parking brake thingy dangling:

 

[Uncle Gump]

Your missing the self adjuster cable and guide. Also missing the park brake strut and spring.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

1988 FORD RANGER 2.3L 140cid L4 Drum Brake Self Adjuster Cable | Shop Now at RockAuto

Brake & Wheel Hub Parts and More for Your 1988 FORD RANGER at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

1988 FORD RANGER 2.3L 140cid L4 Drum Brake Self Adjuster Cable Guide | Shop Now at RockAuto

Brake & Wheel Hub Parts and More for Your 1988 FORD RANGER at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

1988 FORD RANGER 2.3L 140cid L4 Parking Brake Strut | Shop Now at RockAuto

Brake & Wheel Hub Parts and More for Your 1988 FORD RANGER at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

But I can't find a listing for the spring that goes on the strut. Also, make sure what you order is for the size of brake drum you have.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I don't see the pins in the cylinders.

You're right.
Go to the junk yard and get the parts. Or order wheel cylinders as those are probably pooched anyway. Is the master cylinder empty on one half? With nothing to hold the pressure in the wheel cylinders all the fluid is probably gone. Or is this a rear end that you bought to put into your truck?

 

[pjtoledo]

You're right.
Go to the junk yard and get the parts. Or order wheel cylinders as those are probably pooched anyway. Is the master cylinder empty on one half? With nothing to hold the pressure in the wheel cylinders all the fluid is probably gone. Or is this a rear end that you bought to put into your truck?

I did an edit, now I don't think there is supposed to be pins. instead the pistons contact the shoes directly.