CV axle nut size for 97 explorer 4x4

[kclaw]

Hello,

I need to replace my lower ball joints, so I need to buy the socket to remove the CV nut on my 97 Explorer 4x4 as I don't have any this large. The post on how to replace the lowers shows a 32mm, but before I go out and buy that size, does anyone know what size the 97 takes so I can get the right size?

Thanks

 

[brianjwilson]

Should be 1 1/4" or 32mm. 95-01 is the same.
I use 1 1/4" (on my sport trac) because that's what I have in my toolbox, but it should be the same..

 

[gijoecam]

Indeed, it's a 32mm officially. However, that's 1.2598". If you have a tight 1.25" socket, it may not fit (Had it happen to me a couple years ago), but most 1.25" sockets will work in a pinch.

Just make sure in either case that it's a deep-well socket. Standard depth sockets will often hang up on the threads of the outer CV that the nut threads down onto.

Good luck!

 

[kclaw]

Thanks, I went by Oreilly's to get the Moog lowers and they will also loan out a CV nut socket set so I should be all set.