Front Differential problem.

[Professor2]

I put a post in the Explorer/Ranger section but no one would answer my post. I have a 94 Ranger 4.0. The problem is when I put it in 4X4 low or high , sometimes it will engage for a few feet but it will make a banging noise. I jacked up the left front wheel and locked the manual hub and turned the wheel. I can see the axle turn but the drive shaft and the other axle does not move. Wouldn't that mean that the spider gears or something else in the differential is bad?
The differential looks like it is bolted to the "I" beam control arm. (no tin cover). The pictures in my manual don't look like my front end. Has anyone written a post on how to change one of these?

Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tbars4]

...This thread and post #5 should e of some help...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256302

 

[Professor2]

Thanks for the info. Very interesting posts. The pictures were helpful. I can see there are a few tricks to learn in R&Ring one of these. I have to go to the wrecking yard to get a pumpkin and I'm not sure what tools I will need. I hate getting half way through getting a part and find I need one more tool.

 

[Tbars4]

..This may be of some help while searching for Dana 35 front pumpkins at the JY...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256656

..I would also do a search on here for "axle codes" too...It will help determine what gears you have and help find what gears you need at the jy..You don't want to wind up with different gears in the front than what you have in the back...

 

[Professor2]

I searched for the codes but I didn't find mine . Techieman33 gave me the code. My code was R6. I didn't find anything with R's. It turns out R6 is a 8.8 L/S 3.73. Why was Ford so confused about standardizing part numbers?

I will do the C clip mod on the axle, as in Tbar4's post, to eleminate problems later.

My truck looks just like the pictures of 90Ranajo's truck. Black and even the same wheels and bed guards. Are those wheels the ones they call "Deer Hoof "?

 

[Tbars4]

...Those wheels are indeed known as deer hoofs..