Ranger 4WD V6-3.0L VIN U (1997)
Axle Shaft: Service and Repair
Axle Shaft, Conventional Fixed/Floating
REMOVAL
1. Raise vehicle to the desired working height, and remove the rear wheel and tire assemblies. Remove the brake drums.
NOTE: Whenever a plastic axle housing cover is removed, it must be replaced with a new cover and bolts. Steel axle housing covers may be
reused after thorough cleaning and removing all old gasket material from cover and carrier face.
NOTE: For 3.03:1, 3.27:1 and 3.45:1 ratio axles, refer to Steps 4-6. For 3.73:1 and 4.10:1 ratio axles, refer to Steps 7-10.
2. Clean all dirt from the area of carrier axle housing cover with a wire brush and/or cloth.
3. Remove axle housing cover and drain lubricant.
4. Remove differential pinion shaft lock bolt and differential pinion shaft. The pinion gears may be left in place. Once the axle shafts are removed,
reinstall the differential pinion shaft and differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
5. Push the flanged end of the axle shafts toward the center of the vehicle and remove the U-washer from the button end of the axle shaft.
6. Remove the axle shaft from the housing, being careful not to damage the inner wheel bearing oil seal.
CAUTION: Always remove axle shafts completely from housing or damage to inner wheel bearing oil seal may result.
7. For 3.73:1 and 4.10:1 ratio rear axle assemblies, remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.