Well here we go again, replacing another set of smoked front wheel bearings! This is now the second set of front wheel bearings I have replaced on this truck (90 Ranger 4x4). Other than maybe cheap quality bearings I can't see why I'm going through them so frequently. I run a good quality high temperature wheel bearing grease. The last set of bearings I bought for it were BCA Nationals, which I have had good luck with in the past. I do blame part of the problem on the retarded hub and spindle design used on these trucks, they always seem to come loose. I was wondering if anyone else has been plagued with these problems on their Rangers and Explorers. If so what have you done to fix it, I can't imagine I am the only one with this problem. This time I bought Timken brand bearings, and I am going to replace the spindle nuts and washers while I'm at it. Any and all feedback is appreciated, thanx again!
John

 

Yes I did and no I never really "solved" the problem. 33 and 35" swampers hated wheel bearings in these little axles anyway.

If I were you Id get used to swapping bearings out every six months unless you want to swap in an EB D44.

 

I know these little axles don't like anything 33s and bigger. A buddy of mine has a 93 Ranger with 33s and that D35 hates life! We're only running 31x10.50s on 8" wide wheels on the 90, I can't see how that would be too much tire for it. Overall this truck has a pretty easy life the GF doesn't beat on it much, she mainly runs this truck on pavement... she has it up in the sand dunes occasionally and maybe a mild 2-track here and there. If it was my truck, I would have done the EB axle swap a long time ago. I am hoping I can get away with repacking and adjusting them once a year at the very least.

 

wider than stock wheels and tires aren't helping with it either. i say keep all the awesomeness of all that iss a ttb and cut teh knuckles off and weld in d44 1/2 ton ttb stuff, as well as swap the center section in. way more badass than an eb 44 swap. i may also state that i am





....and none of this is logical or worthwhile, but it sounded cool in my head.


















boredom, i haz it.

 

Thanx Dan that was really helpful... what a great idea Actually now that you mention it I have heard/read that some guys who build Rangers for desert racing like to swap in the fullsize version of the TTB and TIB.