Passenger axle removal?

[lance]

I have a ford ranger 1994 4wd. I am trying to pull the passenger axle through the knuckle. I need to replace a universal joint closest to the front differential on the passenger side. Where the axel sleeves under the rubber boot (boot is already removed) into the other half of the axel, it will only come apart about an inch.

All of the pics that i have seen show that i do not have to undo the knuckle or remove it. It has shown that it simply slides through the oriface on the knuckle. Mine will not come apart.

Q: Is there a pin/ bolt that needs to be removed to pull this axle all the way out through the knuckle? or does anyone know a better way to change the u joint knuckle closest to the passenger differential without removing the axel?

Help please.
-Lance

 

[Jspafford]

The outer axle should slide apart at the boot, but the inner axle has a c-clip holding it from inside the differential.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Yes, it should just slide apart. If it has never been apart, there is a good chance the splines could be somewhat seized to eachother.

 

[atvkid4eva]

yeah the slip joint is prolly all seized up inside the splines...just lay under the truck and lightly tap the ear that holds the ujoint with a hammer is should just work its way out..shouldnt be stuck beyond seperation..

 

[Nhaz]

If you have to replace the U joint nearest the diff on the passenger side you have to basically pull the differential case off the truck in order to access the c clip which holds the passenger side axle in. Which means the drivers side shaft has to come off as well as the drive shaft from the transfer case. Then the bolts on the front of the axle holding the diff to the axle. Then on the side of the differential case there is a long bolt it will pivot on that needs come off as well. It should pretty much fall off then.

This also means you will need to replace all the oil in the case. since its all going to come out on the ground.

 

[dennis461]

You seem to have the right idea.

I have a ford ranger 1994 4wd. I am trying to pull the passenger axle through the knuckle. I need to replace a universal joint closest to the front differential on the passenger side. Where the axel sleeves under the rubber boot (boot is already removed) into the other half of the axel, it will only come apart about an inch.

All of the pics that i have seen show that i do not have to undo the knuckle or remove it. It has shown that it simply slides through the oriface on the knuckle. Mine will not come apart.

Q: Is there a pin/ bolt that needs to be removed to pull this axle all the way out through the knuckle? or does anyone know a better way to change the u joint knuckle closest to the passenger differential without removing the axel?

Help please.
-Lance

Seems like you're on the right track.
With the rubber boot off, the two axle halves should come apart.
Make sure the u-joint nearest the wheel is not hitting something, then pull harder.

I tried for days to remove the inner u-joint while still in the truck, too much rust to be sucessful.
After trying a propane torch, I ruined the diff seal and had to tear it down anyway.

Th pinch bolt on the left control arm (radius arm?) was the most trouble, I used a grinder to cut part of the head off and ground part of the control arm to get it out.

 

[bhawk]

What is the purpose of that long bolt which looks like it makes a hinge? Does the pumpkin swing out if the bolt is in place? Can I just swing the pumpkin open and then remove the c clip to remove my right axle shaft? I need to replace the U joint on the right axle, the joint nearest the pumpkin.

I have read that bolt is hard to remove, so people grind the head or the radius arm. What kind of tool will fit in there to do that?

If I don't grind the bolt and the arm to enable the bolt to push up and out, do I have to remove the 2 huge bolts holding that radius arm onto the axel housing?
Looks a bit daunting this task, but you guys walked me through a complete clutch remove and replace last summer on this 94 Ranger 4x4 with 4.0 engine.

 

[Jspafford]

I had to bust mine loose after I was hit. I don't remember it being that big of a deal...

For that matter, neither was the same bolt off the rusted junkyard axle.

Get the proper socket, and the biggest breaker bar/pipe combo you can make work.

Some people have left that bolt out before, and always end up stress cracking the axle beam... Pictures on here somewhere.

 

[Nhaz]

I will admit that when I was working on this part the axle wasn't on the truck at all. so I had pushed the radius arm back a tad to work on that bolt. but if its on the truck and you are lacking space.

Just a thought. Try disconnecting the drivers side pivot leaving the radius arm and spring attached and push the axle pivot towards the front of the truck that may open up some space where that bolt is on the side of the diff.

 

[dola54]

trying to find a front right axle for a 94 ranger xlt, 4.0, lift kit, ext cab. tried rock auto with no luck, can anyone point me to a supplier of this part? then i will ask you guys how to do it.