Removing the front drive shaft

[PhdNPrerunners]

Sorry I am a newbie when it comes to 4x4 rangers. How hard its it to take out the front drive shaft? I recently just had a new rear axle put in the rear of my truck that has 4.10 gears in it and my front has 3.73 gears and I dont want to mess up the 4wd system. Does it just unbolt? Thanks

 

[dennis461]

Not hard.
It takes some re-positioning to get it loose.

Mine has a 2-inch ( or less) lift.
If you have stock, raise the front of the truck a couple of inches (strectch the springs) to get more clearance between engine and axle.
.
Use GOOD jack stands... you won't want the truck dropping down on your arms with a driveshaft have out.

What hubs do you have? leave them un-locked and put duct tape over them if manual. (Duct tape will remind you to not use them.

Leave the drive shaft in if no one else drives the truck.
In mud or loose sand, once you get stuck in 2-wheel. The different ratos won't be a big deal. Use it in an emergency.
Just don't try it on hard packed dirt or rocks, etc.

 

[PhdNPrerunners]

I have auto hubs. So the drive shaft will be ok in there if I don't use the 4wd?

 

[4x4junkie]

It'll be fine as long as the 4WD isn't ever engaged.

However if others may be driving the truck, all you need to do is get under there and remove 4 bolts at each yoke. Axle end has T-30 Torx bolts, at the t-case is four 12-point 8mm bolts. Remove those, driveshaft comes right out, no worries about someone accidentally engaging it until you get the front gears done.

 

[PhdNPrerunners]

Ok guys I am trying to remove my driveshaft but I can't get it to not turn when I am trying to remove the bolts. Anyone have a suggestions on how I can get it to stay still?

 

[riverviewcontracting]

Ok guys I am trying to remove my driveshaft but I can't get it to not turn when I am trying to remove the bolts. Anyone have a suggestions on how I can get it to stay still?

yes put it in 4wd and it will lock it to the rear one so as long as the rear tires are not moving the front shaft will not move