1991 Ford Ranger bad front axle shaft and joint?

Question

i have a 91 ford ranger wit ha dana 35 and i think the ujoints in the shaft and joint that are at the ends of the axle right behind the wheels are bad in both sides i cant drive in 4 wheel cause it sounds like the wheels are going to break off! is this what i think it is?

Answer 1

Yes, it's what you think it is

1. Raise the vehicle & place on jack stands

2. Remove the tire

3. Remove the allen screws from the hub

4. Remove the snap ring on the end of the live axle shaft

5. Remove the external snap ring on the outer edge where the aluminium hub assembly slides in

6. Spin in an allen s***w on either side of the insert

7. Remove the insert

8. Remove the caliper assembly

9. With a special socket, back off the bearing nut

10. Remove the rotor

11. Remove the bolts around the spindle

12. May need a large brass drift punch or air hammer to break the spindle loose from the knuckle.

13. Remove the clips from the rubber boot over the slip yoke on the live axle

14.  Mark the slip yoke & axle shaft so they are properly aligned upon installation

15. Slide out live axle shaft

If you require the axle shaft to be removed from the diff., then you must disassemble the left side. The differential must be removed in order to release the snap ring from the end of the live axle shaft.

Lots of fun. . .

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine...

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Answer 2

If noise when turning only see Mr T process above. If noise even when driving straight forward start with examination / replacement of front drive shaft universal joints and/or drive shaft slip (Plunge) joint.  

Answer 3

i think you think its the u joints