Front hub/drive shaft/diff questions

[Tulsa Time]

I just bought a '93 Ranger 4x4. It's the first 4x4 I've ever owned. During inspection I've found a few issues that bring questions to mind.

My most immediate question is about the auto locking hubs. I don't plan to replace them anytime soon so I would like to service them. I am in the process of servicing the bearings now. I've learned a lot from the Tech Library (That's where I learned to check the front bearings. Sure enough they are a bit sloppy) and I have a Haynes manual, but haven't found anything on the disassembly of the hubs. Maybe I just haven't looked in the right place yet.

My next question is about the front drive shaft. The slip joint has some lateral movement. I doubt this is normal but I thought I would ask. Is there a bushing kit or something for it or do I need to replace the whole thing?

The passenger side axle seal at the front diff is seeping a bit. There also seems to be a little lateral movement here. I assume I will need to remove the center section to remove the axle (c-clip) in order replace the seal. I can figure that out but is there a bushing here that can be replaced? I know from experience (i.e.: torque converter seals, trans output seals, etc) that lateral movement can, and often does, cause premature seal failure.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Nhaz]

First. the auto hubs WILL fail on you. Servicing them doesn't help, its not a grease or bushing issue. They simply wear out. manual hubs are the best choice.

Lateral movement in the slip joint is too much movement. I would replace the Whole shaft. Lots of them in junk yards. But to replace the passenger side you effectively have to take the pumpkin off the truck just to get to the clip holding the driveshaft on that side on.(driver side doesn't have a clip) so you might as well do it to fix the seal.

AND since you are going to have the whole thing apart anyways double check the universals. it would be a good time to replace them all.

Its a pain in the butt to do. But service like that is good for many years. I would expect to spend about 250-300 for parts, hubs included.

 

[Tulsa Time]

Thanks for the info and the heads up on the auto hubs. Naow I just need to decide if I'm willing to sink the money into the hybrid 35/28 diff or not.