Removing Ranger Axles ? How to?
- Thread starter 2dr_sedan
- Start date
Shakerhood
20+ Year Stangneter 
If its anything like the Mustang rear, you will have to drain out the rear diff to pull the C Clips and remove the Drum so that you can slide the axle out of the tube.
89MustangGX
I have nothing productive to add!
NKau
Founding Member
There's a cover/plate on the back of the differential......take the bolts out of the cover and pull it off (fluid will gush out). Next, locate the center pin (sits vertically in center section)......it's a cylindrical shaft that's held in by one tiny bolt on one end; take it out (it's metric, don't strip it) and pull out the center pin.....you may have to tap on it with a punch/screwdriver to get it free, but it should slid out easy. Next, after pulling the drum off, push in on the axle(s); this will expose the c-clips; these can simply be removed with a pliers. Then pull out the axle. Install is the reverse of removal.
Remember that only one axle in the differential of an aerostar or ranger is the right lenght; can't remember which for each. Good luck, and post back with any questions.
Remember that only one axle in the differential of an aerostar or ranger is the right lenght; can't remember which for each. Good luck, and post back with any questions.
89MustangGX
I have nothing productive to add!
Nice description -- I forgot about the center pin. The bolt can be a pain, stripping it would be the end of your easy day.
Shakerhood
20+ Year Stangneter
Ditto for me to, I forgot the center pin too, and I just did this last week! If I remember it is an 8mm bolt head that secures the pin in the diff.89MustangGX said:
To keep the stock rear wheel offset and drums, the '83-'92 Ranger/Bronco II Left (driver) side axle (29-5/32") from a 4cyl or 3.0L V-6 with the 7.5" rear end, or '86-'97 Aerostar RIGHT side axles (29-5/32") is what you want. They are the same rear axles, the center section is just on the opposite side when you compare the rear ends. The pumpkins are also off center unlike the Mustangs, so you will have to find two vehicles to pull axles from! You will need the drums from either of these vehicles also if you are staying with rear 9" drums. The 7.5 axle Rangers & Aerostars use 9" drums. These parts are direct 5 lug replacements for the stock 9" rear drums on the 79-93 Mustangs
Shakerhood
20+ Year Stangneter
If you want to convert to 5 lug disc in the rear you can use any 94 - 98 Mustang axles and brake parts.emagdnim said:
Do yourself a favor and take a cordless drill with the right socket for the diff cover bolts. Once you break them loose it is hard on the fingers to get them out because of all the silicone on them. Cordless drill works awesome. Also take a set of good vise grips for the cross pin bolt. They will work on a stripped one. Sometimes at the u-pull-it yard in Daytona you will find one that somebody has stripped already and be done in like two minutes flat because they already have the cover off for you and then gave up. If the whole job takes you more than ten minutes you were dogging it. Unless the brake drum was a whore to get off. Which can happen. Good luck.
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