Pulling the pig/ third member

[welderman85]

I'm getting ready to pull the front diff apart and replace axle seals. How do I go about pulling it. Also how do I get the bolts out of the front drive shaft u straps. I can't get a wrench or socket on it. Thank you and sorry for all the dumb questions.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Usually the driveshaft bolts on the front axle take a torx in the middle. Sometimes you can get them with a thin walled socket, sometimes torx is the only way.

You have to tear both tires and front brakes off, pull the spindle if it’s a TTB front (83-97). Best way I’ve found to pull a spindle is with a spindle puller. I think Autozone rents them, but I would buy my own. Pull the axle shafts (you’ll only get half of the passenger side unless someone did a C-clip eliminator). Loosen the pinch bolt in the back, pull the font bolts, then finish pulling the pinch bolt. Pry it off the beam.

If you have a 98+ Ranger or an Explorer with the independent front it’s a little different


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[planeflyer21]

Getting ready to do this myself. Going to build my extra axle first, then pull the current one, install the built one.

I'll try to take pics and document it well, as there doesn't seem to be much on the front SLA axle.

 

[welderman85]

Ok got the front drive shaft out and removed all the bolts front the front into the pumpkin. Now I found a bolt under the radious are. Besides that one are there any more things I need to undo

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Just the axle shafts. Once those are out, you just have to get the pig free from the grey RTV holding it on


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