97 Explorer front drive shaft

[Ordie]

I have a 97 Explorer with the front drive shaft bearing connecting into the gearbox and it's going out. I have a constant 'clunking' sound while driving. Is it possible to safely remove the front shaft and just drive with the rear wheels?? I've shopped for replacement part and it would cost anywere from 300.00 to 700.00 dollars. As sad as it is, that's out of my budget.

 

[wolfnutts]

we need more info 2 or 4 door ? are u sure its not just the u joint ?? pics if u can get were do u live ? if u want the whole shaft i may have one out of a 4 door model in about a week

 

[Opera House]

I'm doing it right now and have done it many times on a 92 & 97. One more day at least on the 97, selling it tomorrow. The CV at the transfer case will pull apart if you are not careful. It will go back together, but only one of many positions is flexible. After removing the bolts, use a sharp metal chisel and bug hammer to separate the steel body from the flange. It gets really stuck in there. I think the front U joint can be replaced.

 

[Ordie]

Sorry, 4 door AWD 5.0 and it is the cv joint going into the transfer case.

And if I understand you correctly, removing the drive shaft is possible but just a pain to remove.

No pics as of yet.

 

[IZwack]

Sorry, 4 door AWD 5.0 and it is the cv joint going into the transfer case.

Don't temporarily remove the front driveshaft and "just drive with the rear wheels" on the 5.0 AWD Explorer as doing so would allow the vehicle to roll even if the transmissoin is in Park.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Look in the parts for sale forum. Some one always has a used one for sale. Usually $50-100.

 

[drew999999]

I also have a 97 AWD and had the same issue. It is called a prop shaft. I got a new one from oreilly's for about $200. It included the prop shaft, and the front u-joint. About 30 minutes to swap out. You'll need some good torx sockets to get the front u-joint apart though. I broke a cheap one while removing the old one.

 

[CRUISERMEDIC]

I broke a cheap one while removing the old one.

this seems to be pretty common i broke several on mine before it came out...unfortunately for decided to use torx bits and still used thread locker stuff on it. i would have several of the sizes you needed trust me its a ***** when they break and you got to run to get them replaced under warranty 3 times before the job is done

steve

 

[drew999999]

I actually had better luck on a couple of them with an allan wrench and a pry bar.

 

[Mutineer]

Don't temporarily remove the front driveshaft and "just drive with the rear wheels" on the 5.0 AWD Explorer as doing so would allow the vehicle to roll even if the transmissoin is in Park.

Ditto: Been there/Done it

Check this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187381

Ive broken a few torx bits on that as well, the exact thing happened to my joint there too.

When you get the replacement straps for the front joint... ​

...they will be hexigon (normal) bolt heads 10MM (alittle bigger than 3/8") or 11 MM(7/16") I think. I highly recommend replacing the straps when you do this

You can get these at AZ, O'reily's, Napa, Carquest, Checker/Schucks/Kragen... Just about anywhere ...in the Motormite, or "HELP!" section.

Daniel