Somebody that knows 98/00 front hubs please answer

[Big Jim M]

The c-clips that hold the axle in the hub... I got a pair today and they are PLASTIC! Is plastic NORMAL? Do all of these vac hubs have a PLASTIC c-ring holding the axle in the hub??
Please give an experienced answer.
Big JIm

 

[wvcat]

I have had 2 99's with pulse vacum hubs and both were plastic.

 

[Big Jim M]

OK thanks.. I thought I had been had! Seems a good iron c-clip would be better...but if that is what goes in there then I will use them.
Big Jim

 

[wvcat]

I never had a problem with the clips...just the hubs...lol

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

The right C-Clips will be plastic. I've done my hub assemblies too many times not to notice it.

However, those plastic c-clips are DAMN strong. The last time I pulled my vacuum hubs off, the hub guts were stuck to axleshaft inside the hub assembly. Using a slide hammer I tried forcing the axleshaft past the c-clips. They would not budge no matter what I did to it!

If only the other plastics in my Ranger were that good...

 

[Big Jim M]

Ok then smart guys...how the HELL do you get em on there! The instructions came with them and it shows an applicator.. get that an APPLICATOR! Who on earth would have one of those?
I think I will just make a c-clip out of a washer..
Big Jim

 

[wvcat]

Snap ring pliers are the easy way...or 2 screwdrivers in a pinch

 

[zeroburn]

I have a question? does any body have the part # for those clips? And are these a dealer only part?

 

[TwoTrackMind]

I got mine through ford, wasnt that much money really, What toasted me was they only had one and I had to drive 60 miles to get the other.

The way I remember it, the clip was 2 parts. The plastic part, then the flat spiral metal clip that did the work of holding it in. And, while with the correct tool (who knows what that is) it might be done easily, I did manage to put it in with a tweeker (very small straight screwdriver) by puting the plastic part in first then working the metal in afterwards. Heh.. u know, any tool can be the right tool if used improperly enough...

 

[00 project black]

i just used snap ring pliers and a screw driver