Front drive shaft question

[Mikealine71]

Hi all, I have a 99 mountaineer 5.0 v8. I just replaced the hub assembly and removed my front drive shaft. I am attaching a photo is this repairable? Keep in mind I'm a newbie girl but so far with all the helpful information on this site I've been able to fix most issues myself thank you in advance

I'm unsure how to ad pics but the front drive shaft is compromised around the boot I believe it is called.

 

[koda2000]

Your photo did not come up, but here's what I know...

Your front driveshaft has a CV joint where it attaches to the transfer case. If the boot is ripped the CV joint will soon be destroyed. There is a repair kit offered by Dorman. It replaces the CV joint and the boot. I've installed this kit (in a '00 Mountaineer AWD) and it's not terribly hard to do. I paid around $90 for the kit. I found a YouTube video that takes you through the process that was quite helpful. You can also purchase a rebuilt driveshaft ready to install for about twice the cost. I also had to purchase a CV boot band installation tool and good quality torx socket for the driveshaft yoke bolts. BTW the bolts that come with the kit are too short, so you will need to reuse your old bolts.

As far as I was able to determine, Dorman is the only one offering a rebuild kit, so I suspect any rebuilt shaft will have the Dorman parts. Some here have had trouble with the boot in the Dorman kit not lasting very long. Mine is still okay after about 2.5 years. I don't see the Dorman kit offered on eBay right now, but many of the kits have the same part number as the Dorman part, 932-001 (hmmm).

Here's an example of a kit and what's included. Apparently prices have dropped based on what I'm now seeing on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Drive-Shaft-Rear-CV-Joint-Boot-Repair-Kit-For-Ford-Pickup-Truck-4WD-4x4-/262809724706?fits=Year:1999|Model:Explorer&hash=item3d30ae2722:g:wx8AAOSwGotWnEvi&vxp=mtr

 

[Mikealine71]

Your photo did not come up, but here's what I know...

Your front driveshaft has a CV joint where it attaches to the transfer case. If the boot is ripped the CV joint will soon be destroyed. There is a repair kit offered by Dorman. It replaces the CV joint and the boot. I've installed this kit (in a '00 Mountaineer AWD) and it's not terribly hard to do. I paid around $90 for the kit. I found a YouTube video that takes you through the process that was quite helpful. You can also purchase a rebuilt driveshaft ready to install for about twice the cost. I also had to purchase a CV boot band installation tool and good quality torx socket for the driveshaft yoke bolts. BTW the bolts that come with the kit are too short, so you will need to reuse your old bolts.

As far as I was able to determine, Dorman is the only one offering a rebuild kit, so I suspect any rebuilt shaft will have the Dorman parts. Some here have had trouble with the boot in the Dorman kit not lasting very long. Mine is still okay after about 2.5 years. I don't see the Dorman kit offered on eBay right now, but many of the kits have the same part number as the Dorman part, 932-001 (hmmm).

Here's an example of a kit and what's included. Apparently prices have dropped based on what I'm now seeing on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Drive-Shaft-Rear-CV-Joint-Boot-Repair-Kit-For-Ford-Pickup-Truck-4WD-4x4-/262809724706?fits=Year:1999|Model:Explorer&hash=item3d30ae2722:g:wx8AAOSwGotWnEvi&vxp=mtr

Thank you so much this is the best forum I've learned a lot coming from a girl who didn't have a clue what a spark plug was I have since changed a radiator a hub assembly brakes rotors and removed a drive shaft. I must say I kinda like it. I've learned if someone says it took them two hours it will take me five but I'm ok with that, it's all a learning experience. Thanks for the info I'm gonna fix that asap and put back. I've heard it's ok to drive without it but I'm always nervous about it and sick of carrying blocks for wheels everywhere I go lol

 

[koda2000]

Thank you so much this is the best forum I've learned a lot coming from a girl who didn't have a clue what a spark plug was I have since changed a radiator a hub assembly brakes rotors and removed a drive shaft. I must say I kinda like it. I've learned if someone says it took them two hours it will take me five but I'm ok with that, it's all a learning experience. Thanks for the info I'm gonna fix that asap and put back. I've heard it's ok to drive without it but I'm always nervous about it and sick of carrying blocks for wheels everywhere I go lol

I've never driven w/out the front driveshaft installed. I've read were it can be damaging to the viscous coupling inside the transfer case (technically it's really called a center differential on the AWD). I don't know if that's true, but it is true that you need to block your wheels when you remove the front driveshaft to not have the vehicle "creep away" when in PARK.

I'd guess it took me about 2.5 hours to remove & replace the front driveshaft CV joint (and I work slowly to avoid making mistakes). A good portion of that time was spent cleaning up the old joint and driveshaft so I could see what I was doing. It's a greasy, messy job but if you've already replaced the radiator in a 5.0L Explorer the CV joint should be relatively easy by comparison. Other than the torx socket I needed for the driveshaft u-joint strap retainer (my old one broke) and the CV boot band tool, I don't recall needing any tools I didn't have. I suggest you find and watch the YouTube video on this job, as it always helps to watch someone else do a job you've never done. Good luck and if you have any questions just ask, though you'll be taxing my memory from 2.5 years ago.