FOUR U-Joints in 96 Ranger XLT??

gdk771 · Dec 23, 2016

I have a 96 Ranger XLT with extended cab and long bed. I was going to replace the U-Joints as it has 200k on the originals. I ordered 3 U-Joints for it because that is what it showed my truck used in the parts list. When I went underneath to replace them i found FOUR U-Joints! :icon_confused:

There were two right at the center support bearing. I am enclosing a picture also. Has anyone ever heard of this? This is the first time I have ever run across double U-Joints at the center bearing.

Thanks

ericbphoto · Dec 23, 2016

I assume the photo is showing the rear half of the drive shaft, right behind the support bearing. That half of the shaft is what is called a double cardan shaft and yes, it does have an extra u-joint. There is also a funky spring-loaded ball joint in the middle of that thing. There are some good tech articles to teach about u-joints and how to replace them. Just follow the tab at the top of the page to get HERE.

gdk771 · Dec 23, 2016

THANKS very much ericbphoto!

I was NOT aware there was a ball in between the joints. You saved me from having to place ANOTHER order for this one part. The double cardan is actually in front of the center support bearing on the transmission side. :dunno:

I only see a reference to this joint in 4WD Rangers NOT 2WD ones but I have one anyways. I guess that is what threw me off. It came from the factory this way as it has been in my family since new. I did measure the bearing caps and mine are 1.188" diameter. I guess having the long bed and extended cab caused them to add this for length. Don't know if a standard bed would have it or not with an extended cab.

97RangerXLT · Dec 27, 2016

gdk771 said:
I was NOT aware there was a ball in between the joints. You saved me from having to place ANOTHER order for this one part. The double cardan is actually in front of the center support bearing on the transmission side. I only see a reference to this joint in 4WD Rangers NOT 2WD ones but I have one anyways. I guess that is what threw me off. It came from the factory this way as it has been in my family since new. I did measure the bearing caps and mine are 1.188" diameter. I guess having the long bed and extended cab caused them to add this for length. Don't know if a standard bed would have it or not with an extended cab.

I am pretty sure that Ford did not make a long bed extended cab truck... As far as I know, ALL extended cabs have the 6' short bed.

If you do have the 7' long bed, please post a picture of the truck, I would love to see it

AJ

gdk771 · Sep 12, 2018

Hey AJ I just saw this post from years ago...

And you got me to check my bed length. it is 6 feet so all these years I thought I had a long bed were wrong. Oh well it still has a double cardan joint on it

FOUR U-Joints in 96 Ranger XLT??

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