need to repalce front universal joint (drivers side of front differential)

[bpears]

I am looking at purchasing a 2001 ford ranger 4x4 as a little plow truck. I have already test-driven the vehicle and it runs great. However, the owner told me it needs a front universal as it clunks when in 4-wheel drive and he says he can grab the shaft (drivers side shaft) and shake it back and forth quite easily. He says the u-joint right where it connects to the differential needs to be replaced. My only concern I guess is, how easy is it to replace? He says it's in a bit of a tight spot. Is this a fairly simply repair? I am somewhat handy but have never replaced a U-joint...

Thanks, Brad

 

[MrShorty]

You might post this in a different forum here. I'm not real familiar with the later model Rangers, but I'm under the impression that the last year for the TTB was '97. I believe an '01 will use CV joints, which means you'll probably just end up replacing the entire halfshaft on that side. Someone more familiar with that style front end would have to give an indication of difficulty.

 

[FIND]

If it is a 2001 ranger, it uses CV axles in the front. You replace the whole axle as an assembly and it is a fairly easy straight forward process.

However, if the owner is describing a u-joint to you that he can move, he must be talking about something else or has no idea what he is talking about. I recommend you have it inspected by a mechanic, or at the very least a trusted friend who is highly mechanically inclined before you make a decision. Also, if it is a 2001 ranger, you will note that you are in the wrong section. Please post your questions in the correct section in the future.

 

[Tony H]

IF it is a standard 'U' joint.
You slide the axle out to replace these joints. You cannot do it on the truck.
Not hard. Take tire off, Take Hub off, take 6 nuts off that hold Brake shield and Spindle.
Slide Hammer and Spindle Socket will get the Spindle off then just slide the axle out.
Replace the 'U' joint and then reassemble. You will want to rent/borrow a slide hammer and Spindle Socket. It makes that part of the job a Dream.

 

[bpears]

I'm sorry, it's a 1991 Ranger - NOT a 2001 ranger...

I will look to post in the correct section first though...

 

[bpears]

Ok, i looked for a different forum and I guess the reason why I posted here is if you go back to the list of forums and look, this forum is used for several vehicles - including Rangers...

 

[MrShorty]

This forum is probably as good as any for a '91 Ranger, which uses the TTB front end. TonyH has breifly described the procedure for changing axleshaft u-joints. A manual (I've used Chiltons and Haynes for this kind of repair successfuly) would be a good resource for this. If you look for the "1st gen brake job diary" thread, there are a bunch of pictures that show how things come apart to get to the spindle. There might even be a ball joint thread that would help you see how it is put together.

The most difficult part is replacing the passenger side "center" ujoint in the stub shaft (the wheel joint is essentially the same as the drivers side). The stub shaft is held inside the diff by a C-clip, which means you just about have to drop the pumpkin to get the shaft out where you can work on it.

 

[bpears]

replacing front U-joint on drivers side of diff...

Thanks for that. I will check out those pics... So basically, since the one I have to replace is the drivers side, it's not going to be nearly as difficult as if it was the passengers side then?

I hope that's what I understood from your response!!

 

[NUFX]

Used the search box as I was having trouble finding the ball joint on my FEx. Came to this forum. Found it.

My stock ones were needing replacement due to wear and tear plus age.

Will DIY it from the infos I learned here. I bought them Ball Joint from OEM site.

Thanks.