95 Ranger: Driveshaft Vibration
 

I have 95 Ranger XLT SuperCab with 4L V-6, 5 speed manual. I've had it into the shop for vibration issues and have been told that U-joints, differential all OK but the driveshaft carrier bearing is pooched. Up here in Canada they're telling me that the bearing is not available by itself, rather I have to buy whole new drive shaft and bearing. Truck is in good shape and worth spending the money on, but I question the idea of having to buy both and wonder if this sounds reasonable. What would happen if bearing is not replaced? Thanks, Brian.

you can get the bearing itself here in the US. maybe there is some regulation up there.

if you wouldnt have replaced it you would have a heck of a vibration to say the least. i would imagine it could ruin the driveshaft if left alone.

Local auto parts stores stock the bearing here in the States. Mine was making some noise and causing some vibrations but I just opted to replace the entire driveshaft with an one piece aluminium shaft off of a later model truck since my driveshaft was badly rusted and would probably need to be rebalanced anyway. If you go this route be advised that you'll need to slightly raise the body about an inch or two so that the driveshaft won't thump the bottom of the cab. It will install without having to make any changes, but you only have about 1/2" of clearance between the bottom of the cab and the top of the driveshaft since the aluminum ones are probably 3.5-4" in diameter vs. the 3" steel one.

It is possible that the shop is just trying to take you for a ride by replacing the whole shaft, or they may be doing you a favor because the labor for replacing the whole shaft is probably less than having to disassemble the driveshaft to R&R the center bearing. I'd call some of the local parts places and see if they stock it.

95 Ranger: Driveshaft Vibration
 

Thanks guys, I appreciate quick response. I have requested quote from another shop and we'll see what they say. I'm told that its the same drive train as B4000 Mazda and supposedly you can't buy bearing separate. Maybe replacing whole shaft and bearing with new U-Joints is good idea just rather expensive at a grand before taxes. I wonder why Ford chose 2 piece shaft as opposed to single piece. BH

I have a '95, extended cab, with a carrier bearing. I also had a vibration and removed the driveshaft and took it to a machine shop, where they replaced the carrier bearing and all the u-joints (3). If you do this, be sure and mark the connection to the rear differential flange and especially the spline connection of the two driveshafts. It's originally balanced as a unit, and if you lose this connection orientation it will vibrate when you replace it. Believe me, I found out the hard way. I think Ford uses two driveshafts because you would otherwise have to raise the rear end to clear parts of the undercarriage. Yes, you can buy the carrier bearing separately, but why not have the u-joints replaced at the same time?

Ford used the 2 piece shaft for clearance issues with the bottom of the cab. You'll notice that newer Rangers sit a tad higher on the frame than our mid-90's models; I compared my Dad's 2000 to my 95 and his sits just a tad bit higher.

bad u joint
 

is this a hard job.:-headbang