1998 ford ranger 4X4 front Hub Replacement Need Help

[marineart]

Hello I am new to forum, very nice forum. I have a question about my ranger,
I am replacing the right front hub, and like to know if the 2 4inch seals in the spindle can be replaced without buying more parts. Parts guys tell me I need to buy the hub. I bought one it is a real nice used hub. If anyone can help I will be greatful thanks.

 

[Scott B.]

My understanding is the hub is a sealed unit - seals and bearings. Replace all or nothing. (But I have not torn mine apart yet, so I can't answer from actual experience!)

 

[marineart]

ford ranger

Thanks scott I replaced my front hub and seal tonight I found the seal thats fits in the spindle. this seal will not come with new hub although the parts guys will tell you this . if you do your own work don't go home with out it part number for the seal is 710519 2 1/2 hrs total time thanks all

 

[Ranger Al]

Your hub is held by circular clip. Why not replace with the Explorer axles or the newer Ranger axle? The new axles have bolt holding the axle and it is stronger then the 98-2000 Rangers.

 

[marineart]

thanks ranger AL what year of ford Explorer can i ues.
thank you for your help

 

[Scott B.]

Why change axles? I want to change the axles and hubs in my '06 to the 98-00 style, and use manual locking hubs. I would rather my front end not turn all the time....

 

[Ranger Al]

I believe the axles from the explorer are from 97 to current (as well as Mountainees). As for the Ranger, 2001 to current will work. You will need the whole axle alsemblies. The only thing you don't need are the brake asemblie, where you can use your old on.
Scott, 1998 - 2000 does not have manual hub kit (at least the last time I checked). They claimed these model have such a short production and does not worth the investment on making kit for them (I maybe wrong).

If you have any question, feel free to pm me.

 

[atlranger]

Get some AVM or Rugged Ridge manual hubs. They replace the vacuum units and work great! Plus you can run a locker, lunchbox, selectable or Lincoln/spool for serious traction. The same Dana 35 lockers from the jeep guys will work in the IFS front-end.

http://www.tellico4x4.com/product_info.php/products_id/26509

 

[Scott B.]

Scott, 1998 - 2000 does not have manual hub kit ...

The 98-00 Rangers had hubs known as PVM - Pulse Vacuum Modulation, I think. AVM in Brazil makes manual hubs to replace the PVM hubs. Rugged Ridge is the marketing name used in the US.

They are very easy to swap. I am planning on replacing my live axles and hubs on my '06 with the axle and hub of a '98, and using these hubs.

 

[Ranger Al]

Do you need to have the 98-00 axles to use the AVM? I know my axles are turning at all time. Let me know how the swap is working out for you, Scott. I may swap it back with AVM. I am not really a big fan of constant turning, but it is better then the PVM.

 

[atlranger]

Do you need to have the 98-00 axles to use the AVM? I know my axles are turning at all time. Let me know how the swap is working out for you, Scott. I may swap it back with AVM. I am not really a big fan of constant turning, but it is better then the PVM.

You do need the 98-00 CV axles, bearings/wheel mounting hub (same unit) to convert to the AVM hubs as the axle ends and bearings are different. If you have access to a decent DIY junkyard try and get the whole spindle assembly as it will make the swap nice and easy.

 

[Ranger Al]

AtlRanger, I still have the original PVM axles. I am just wondering how complicate it is to install the AVM. Will I get better mileage with the AVM, I know my axles are in constant motion.

 

[atlranger]

AtlRanger, I still have the original PVM axles. I am just wondering how complicate it is to install the AVM. Will I get better mileage with the AVM, I know my axles are in constant motion.

I can definitely feel when they drive line is engaged and not. I do not track my mileage that close but I would say it's better than having them engaged all the time.

Check out:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/AVM_hub_swap.htm
for the AVM install and:
http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/spring07/98_00_Ranger_hub_bearing.htm
for the "saw-blade removal method" which works perfect and saves lots of frustration.

Good luck!

 

[brianjwilson]

As mentioned, you need the PVH axles and hub/bearing units to run manual hubs, found in the 98-00.5 rangers. The avms are about a 3 minute deal once the front wheels are off.
My AVM's worked great on my ranger, but many people had problems with them actually falling off when applying lots of torque in 4x4. Which is easy to see why, once you see how the hubs are installed. Gas mileage is negligable between live axle and manual hubs, maybe 1mpg when I checked at best. The one advantage I see with the manual hubs is that if you break a CV or the front driveshaft or something, you can disengage the front and drive home. I carry extra CV joints with the live axles.
The live axles are definitely more reliable overall...
With a front locker I get worried about breaking a CV and having to change on the trail, but I'm 90% sure that I would be blowing the AVM hubs right off of the wheel.

 

[Ranger Al]

Ok, after reading BrianjWilson..

I am keeping my alive axles. Its something to think about and other options to tinker with. Anyone want to buy my PVM axles???? lol

 

[Scott B.]

Anyone want to buy my PVM axles????

Maybe... Tell me about them.

 

[Ranger Al]

Really nothing to tell you, just the axles pulled off my 2000 Ranger. All the bearings and boots are all good. The only reason I pulled it out was to have live axles. The truck has around 89K miles when I pulled it out.

I am located in Fresno, Ca. I am not sure if it is good idea to ship (heavy). But, hey if you are willing to pay for the shipping. I'll pack it up. I paid $275 for my live axles (bought it used). So, I am thinking around $250 or best off for both side!

 

[FM53]

Which AVM or Rugged Ridge do you use for a 2000 Ranger? I have seen a couple different models that are said to work.