I'm having trouble removing my front axle from the differential.

[Ranger 96]

Hey folks, new to posting even though I have been reading the explorer HOW To's for a week. (Very Helpful) I do have a question on my newly aquired 1996 ford ranger 4x4, 4.0L. I am perfoming a complete front end overhaul. I seem to be having trouble removing the inner axle shaft from the diff on the passenger side. The driver side pulled out easily. Am I forgetting to remove a snap ring or something from within the diff(Passenger side)?

 

[Turdle]

Edit
There may be a c clip in the housing

 

[Ranger 96]

Thanks, was hoping to avoid that tear down, but if I must...

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've renamed your thread, and moved it into the Ranger section.

 

[Dannyboy]

yes, on your truck there is a c-clip on the passenger side in the differential. The pumpkin needs to be completely removed to access.

There is a great thread in here on doing a "c-clip eliminator" that uses a spring and collar to keep that shaft in the diff without the c-clip.

 

[Tbars4]

...This may help...and post #5 tells you how to get the pumpkin out..
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256302

...And to find out which pumpkin you might have...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256656

 

[Ranger 96]

I am just trying to make it easier on myself to swap that last U-Joint maybe I will leave it in the truck, and just knuckle bust through it!!!

 

[Ranger 96]

Again Thanks for all the help

 

[Tbars4]

...With that C-Clip Eliminator, for less than $8 you will never have to worry about that again...

..That is what it is designed to do...It allows you to change the passenger shaft and/or U-joints, without ever having to pull the pumpkin down again...It went from a day or weekend long ordeal to, swapping the shaft in a 1/2 hour with hand tools...

 

[Dannyboy]

I am just trying to make it easier on myself to swap that last U-Joint maybe I will leave it in the truck, and just knuckle bust through it!!!

that last ujoint doesn't move nearly as much as the steering knuckles either. I run a 4x4 that cycles the front end quite a bit and havne't needed to change it out (knock on wood).

I'd leave it be.

or get this tool and see if you can press it out.

 

[4x4junkie]

that last ujoint doesn't move nearly as much as the steering knuckles either. I run a 4x4 that cycles the front end quite a bit and havne't needed to change it out (knock on wood).

I'd leave it be.

or get this tool and see if you can press it out.

Pic no worky.

Try this tool, many have reported success using it to get the joint out with the axle still in the diff.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335

I agree though about doing the c-clip eliminator. If you should ever bust that shaft while out on a tough 4x4 trail, you shouldn't have to take the whole diff apart to replace it.

 

[Dannyboy]

that was the tool I was shooting for, Thanks 4x4Junkie.

 

[4x4junkie]

I suspected it was something similar

 

[Ranger 96]

Quick Question

OK I think I am posting this in the correct forum
1996 Ford Ranger 4.0L Purchased with 110,000 Miles Transfer case oil probably never changed..... Any Oil recommendations (Amsoil, Royal Purple, Stock?????)

 

[Ranger 96]

(Late add) By the way I tried the U-joint tool and I could not seem to make it fit while the shaft was still in the Diff. Needless to say the u-joint did not get replaced yet. I did however use the tool for the rest of the u-joints and the upper and lower ball-joints. Moving on to the transfer case

 

[Ranger 96]

I also had a question about 1996 ranger rear end. The truck either has a really stout stock limited slip or the previous owner installed a locker. Do stock ranger rear ends typically lock up so well?