TTB Diff leak

[betard_foosier]

Hello, i looked at a used 94 ranger today that i really want to buy, and the price is right. The 4x4 actuator is baf, so it hasnt been in 4wd in several years. The front axle/diff turns smoothly and freely, however i moticed the passenger side axle shaft has play where it enters the pumpkin, and the axle shaft is covered in dried up oil. Everything else on the 4x4 system is tight and smooth.

I am pretty mechanical, but one thing i will not do is setting pinion lash. Can this bearing/seal be replaced without having to re-lash the diff? How tough a job is this? Other than this, this ranger is a rare combination of features ive been looking for, and the price is right. Help me please!

 

[4x4junkie]

No need to mess with the ring & pinion gears.

Remove the diff from the axle beam, pop the E-clip off holding the axle shaft in, remove shaft, remove seal, remove bearing. Reassemble in reverse order (also replacing the axle shaft if it was boogered up by a bad bearing).

 

[shane96ranger]

^ This. May want to do the U-joints while you are in there that far too.

 

[betard_foosier]

So no big deal? I was just excited to find a longbed 4x4 5 speed with no rust, but i dont want to dump a ton more money into it, it needs tires right away.

 

[betard_foosier]

I didnt realize you can get the axle bearing out without removing ring gear.

 

[betard_foosier]

Is there supposed to be a little side play in those axle stubs, or should they be tight? Also, will the carrier have to come out to replace the spindle bearing?

 

[jkent]

Is there supposed to be a little side play in those axle stubs, or should they be tight? Also, will the carrier have to come out to replace the spindle bearing?

Carrier wouldn't have to come out, just take your wheels, calipers, and rotors off, then you can pull your spindle. Spindle bearings are right inside the spindle. After that, you should pull your shafts and replace the u-joints since you are already in there. Next unbolt your diff from the beam and pull that out, take the e clip off to remove you pass. inner shaft and see how everything looks inside the diff. Replace both axle seals and bearings if needed. I'd suggest doing the c-clip eliminator right away, could save you a lot of time in the future. Make sure to clean everything up and grease what needs greasing before you put it back tongether.

 

[jkent]

Is there supposed to be a little side play in those axle stubs, or should they be tight? Also, will the carrier have to come out to replace the spindle bearing?

you also might be missing the thrust washers on your stub shafts if you are getting play.