Front Axle, Dana 35 or 28? on the '91 4wd

[Tony H]

Looking at doing Ball joints this weekend. I type in the cars year and type and to order parts and I get a choice of axles. Calls for a Dana35 with Pinch bolt and a Dana 28.
I see what looks to be a pinch bolt type thing on top. Working of Fords is new to me. I just did Ball joints on my Chevy Pickup, that's a no brainer. The top Ball joint on this Explorer will be a learn as I go. so any tips are appreciated.

'91 For Explorer 4WD Eddie B ; I assumed it was the Dana35. Can someone confirm?

 

[bmxking5]

You have the Dana 35.

 

[Blee1099]

Dana 35.. They only list the 28 cause the fact the Rangers have a D28.. Not sure why its listed when they do a parts lookup but its a D35 in any case.

 

[MrShorty]

One tip, since you're learning as you go. Be sure to mark the camber/caster adjust bushing on the upper ball joint before you take it out. You want to be able to put it back in just like it came out (unless you have the 0 bushing, then it doesn't matter).
Check your axle u-joints while you have them out.

 

[DeRocha]

Here is a pic of the DANA 35 setup. You will notice the upper ball joint is held in place with a snap ring and pinch bolt. The Upper ball joint on a Dana 28 is held in place with a Castle nut and cotter pin. Last year I planned on replacing just the ball joints. Well the job kept growing as I reomved stuff and found it needed/should be replaced. I ended up replacing the ball joints, U-joints, Rotors, Wheel Bearings, Spindle Bearings, Inner and outer axle seals, and outer tie rods. You will need to have the vehicle aligned after doing the ball joints, but as MrShorty said record (aka take a digital picture) of the Camber bushing so you can install it back into its original position.

 

[Tony H]

I knew the Upper was different then I was used to seeing. That was the info I was looking for. I heard something about that, that's why I asked the question. When I come across it I will mark it so I can put it back the same position. Hopefully I can get away with out getting it ailigned.

DeRocha, I see you did end up giving EVERYTHING a good going over.

Thanks everyone.