Center axle wont come out !

[newstang]

I just replaced the universals on both outer axles on my 93 explorer. The center axle going into the diff wont come out. I do not see a diff cover to check out the inside !
please help !
rob

 

[410Fortune]

There is a C clip retainer on the passenger side inner shaft.

The beam is the cover for the diff.

In order to remove the axle shaft you must drop the diff, which means seperate it from the beam

I assume you want to remove the shaft to replace the U joint?

You will have to drop the diff from the beam to do this.
No simple job, but its a good time to change the fluid!

 

[newstang]

WOW, thanks for the fast reply.
I need to change out the universal in the middle.
I am working in my driveway, with a small jack so I cant get much lift to really get under there.
I would attempt to remove the Uni in place, but if it anything like the other two, which i had on the ground pounding for a half hour, I am screwed.
any suggestions?
thanks
rob

 

[410Fortune]

leave it alone.



If you are dead set on replacing the inner U joint then:

both spindles and outer axle shafts must be removed from truck
Truck must be supported by jack stands from the frame
The drivers side beam must be alllowed to droop enough to clear the differential coming out

front driveshaft must be seperated

to drop the front diff you have to remove the bolts on the front of the beam, the retainer bolt that holds the diff to the beam in the back, and then pry the diff off the beam.

Also the vent line must be disconnected.

Of course gear lube will spill out.

Once the diff is removed you will have access to the C clip retainer and the ability to remove the inner shaft and replace the U joint.

You will then have to clean up the back side of the beam in order to re-seal the diff to the beam using silicoln.

Also it is a good idea to replace both diff/axle seals at this time

It is best to have the book with you if you have never removed the front diff on the TTB suspension.

Personally I have never found a U joint on a 93 that needed to be replaced, unless it has been abused or has seen extreme heavy use.

Again, why are you replacing the U joints? To get rid of a wobble or noise? 9 times out of 10 this is a flase diagnosis, the U joints are not the cause of your problem. Typically it is an Auto hub, wheel bearing, or alignment issue with the TTB that cause problems.

 

[88vert]

It can be replaced while under the truck I did it with a 4 inch c-clamp on my old 92 it was not fun but it needed done

 

[410Fortune]

88 Vert, did the diff leak afterwards? hahaha...that seal must have taken a pounding!!!

I can imagine this would be a PITA!!!
I would just wait until the next time I had the drivers beam out, which is about once a year on my truck! hahahaha...

 

[DeRocha]

I would mainly agree with 410Fortune that most U-joints on 1st gens are relatively trouble free. IMO the stub axle joints @ the wheels are the most problematic. For whatever reason the lube tends to dry out eventually rusting the joint in place..

If the center U-joint moves/articulates ok then you should leave it alone (unless you have the correct tools to do the job). If you still want to proceed then don't pound on the shaft with it still in the diff (obviously not a good idea). I would pickup the U-joint/ball joint tool at Autozone (free rental). This is the large "C" clamp press that will get the job done. You will need a 7/8" socket and a 1/2" ratchet. If you have access to an impact gun then it will greatly speed up the removal process.. Before I used the tool I pounded the C$@& out of one side for 45minutes before it came out. With the tool and gun it takes 10 secs...

P.S. With the weather being close to 35f you will freeze outside working in your driveway.

 

[88vert]

410 the u-joint was shot It took me 2 hours to change that u-joint I never had a leak thank god

 

[410Fortune]

88 in less than 2 hours I could have dropped the diff, cleaned up the beam, replaced the U joint and re-installed the diff. The bonus to this is you can do all 3 u joints at the same time, repacka and torque the wheel bearings, service the hubs, change the diff seals, service the brakes, and change the gear lube

Of course the first time I did this it would have taken all weekend! Its all about having the right tools.

 

[88vert]

I did this about 4 years ago and I was very green on explorer's Now I would take a different approach

 

[newstang]

The truck was sitting on a horse farm for quite a while. The right u joint was blown up, the left one seized, and the center one also seized, rusted solid.
I have the two end ones done. I have been at the center one all day. I really dont want to tacle dropping the diff. so with an air hammer ( did nothing) was heating and pb-blasting all evening. I will go get this c clap on friday and do it under the truck.
thanks for all of your help.
Happy ThanksGiving

 

[newstang]

BAD pulls in 4wd

I purchased a ball joint/ u joint puller, like a big c clamp. Woked great, got the ujoint out in 5 min.
So now all the U joints have been replaced and I still have the same problem I originally had.
When I engage it into 4wd, the front end pulls me to one side then the other, feels like a major strain on the engine, wont steer straight !.
Any advice before I take a large hammer to this truck ?
thanks

 

[Con Seann3ry]

both hubs engaging?

 

[newstang]

I think so, but dont know how to check

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

Geez i was just trying to accomplish this task today and didn't know i needed to drop the axle to get inside the diff.

reason is the outer u-joints on the axle shafts are done-for so i figured mine as well replace all 3.

the center one doesn't seem to be loose at all like the outer 2 so i'll just replace those 2 for now and if i do have to drop the axle in the future i'll change the other one.