Question about Ranger 4.0 axle

[Polski]

So I curb checked pretty good last weekend (doh!) and bent the flange on my rear left axle shaft. It also bent my drum brakes up pretty good, and my nice rim is trash. So I got to looking around and found some great posts about this but couldn't find a for sure on whether I have 10" or 9" drums... which is what the guy at the salvage yard is asking me.

My truck is stock other than oversize tires fyi...

Anyone know a for sureity?

Also, I will be doing repairs myself... never done this before but have done a few other projects: replace radiator, drive shaft, alternator, alternator bearings.

Anywho, help would be greatly appreciated, and I am sure I will come back with pictures and questions as I get this job done!

Thanks in advance!

 

[partsguy84823]

You could have either, the 4.0s all had the 8.8 axle, but the 8.8 could have had either size brake. It is likely that you have 10" brakes. However it is pretty easy to tell. Pull the wheel, and look at the outside of the drum. The 9" brakes will have cooling fins all around the outside of the drum, where the 10" will be flat.

The 9 inch drums look kind of like this.
____________________________________________________________________________________

The 10 inch drums look more like this.

*Note that these are not exact pictures, but you get the idea*

 

[Polski]

Ok, so I decided to take some pics just to be for sure. This is what I got, looks to be the 10"

 

[feellnfroggy]

The pic tells you right there, the diamteter is 256.sumthin mm. just do a measurement converter online. But yes that is a 10.

 

[Polski]

Good deal. Callin' the pick 'a' parts place right now for the axle shaft and new drum brakes. We got rain coming here pretty soon, so in the mean time any guides/suggestions would be great.

I have one guide that I have read over, great pictures but gmail is down and I don't have the link. Basically, I just need to replace the axle shaft and brake drum... hopefully the differential is OK and all I need to do is rtv a seal before putting the back plate on.

I am a noob, haven't done this before... but I am a mechanic (steam/gas turbines) so don't be shy with technical terms.

 

[adsm08]

256.3mm = 10 inches.... They should have a calculator smiley icon.

Yeah, pull your drum off. pull your diff cover. pull the Jesus bolt (8 or 10 mm head on the middle of the carrier somewhere) and then remove the Kind pin (big ugly sucker in the middle). Push in on the damaged axle shaft, remove the c-clip, and then the shaft should pull free of the housing. Be careful to not catch the seal on the end of the shaft, it can be damaged and leak. Not likely, not common, still possible. Put it back together and fill it up until you just have it dripping out the fill hole.

It is not a hard job. Everyone is intimidated by diffs the first few times, but unless you have a reason to pull out the carrier and have to set it up again, there isn't much to fear, the are pretty simple inside.

 

[Polski]

THX for the advice. At this point I found the axle shaft for $75... still need a new bearing at the least... I might try and get by with the drum brakes I have now.

Will update as soon as possible. I was actually thinking about doing a step by step picture/text of the whole process since I have only seen one on the net and it wasn't a ford, much less a ranger.

Oh yeah... think it's a bad idea to use an aluminum pipe/teflon 1/8"/and a dead blow to press the bearings myself?

 

[adsm08]

if it fits along the outer race, you shouldn't have a problem. if your hammer is big enough around, I'd just go right for the dead blow.

 

[Mac]

Polsky,
Get in a bind, I have the 2000 Ranger shop manual here and a scanner if needed. You say steam and gas turbines? Familiar with Woodward Governor at all then? I worked in their Hydro turbine controls for over 24 years.
Dave

 

[Polski]

Polsky,
Get in a bind, I have the 2000 Ranger shop manual here and a scanner if needed. You say steam and gas turbines? Familiar with Woodward Governor at all then? I worked in their Hydro turbine controls for over 24 years.
Dave

Very nice! Man I wish I could get on a new install or even just an overhaul for hydro turbines. I have no experience with those types, although they are all basically the same.

I have worked with one woodward governor on a ge frame3 or 5, but it was just visual inspection.

And thanks A LOT for the help offered, I just might have to take you up on your offer.

Also, I would expect there to be 2 bearings needing to be replaced, am I correct? One @ the differential and one @ the hub? Any comments on what I might need new? Is there some type of packing I am going to need?

Thanks again for any help!

 

[Mac]

Happened to think, there is a somewhat related bunch of pictures on putting a lock rite locker in. Show at least what you would need to do to get the axel pulled.
http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/spring2008/7_5_lockright.htm

Hydro turbines are the same as most other turbines with the electronic controls but unless you get into the mechanical/hydraulic portion, whole different world.
Dave

 

[Polski]

Mac, thanks for the references! I have a very basic understanding of hydraulic systems, but probably not on the scale that you do.

Question, could you possibly scan the areas of the manual that deal with removal and replacement of the axle, including bearings? Looks like I have 2 days to get my supplies because of the rain, after that I am hoping to have my ducks in a row.

 

[Polski]

Quick question... do you guys think it's possible to not have to disconnect the brake line through the operation? Just hang it by a bungee? The hydraulic line is metal, but I am sure I can rig it to stay put. I figure work smarter not harder, but I haven't done this before.

I did get the shaft today, just need the bearing and seal. I'll start posting pictures of the whole thing tomorrow, hopefully this will be useful in the future for others.

 

[Frank The Tank]

where are you located? i have a complete 8.8 28spline rearend. you could have the axle for cheap.

Frank

 

[Polski]

where are you located? i have a complete 8.8 28spline rearend. you could have the axle for cheap.

Frank

Frank,

I am in Seabrook, TX... north of Galveston, South of Houston. Man I wish I could have got ahold of you earlier... I already spent $75 on the axle, and I am broke... by broke, I mean $20 to my name. Been outta work because of my back, and just paid out a huge chunk on my old house. I might be able to return it though... Are you talking about the axle shaft by itself? If so, I would love to take that off your hands, and the drum brakes too if you got em. I am sure I could hook you up with extra cash besides shipping IF I can return this. Lemme know!

Alan