How hard is it to replace front differential?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 123
Likes: 10
How hard is it to replace front differential?
I bought a 4x4 Ranger with different gear ratio in front and back.
The original differential is 3.73 but mechanics fixed this truck before I bought installed 4.10 in rear.
I found that front differential assembly is cheaper than the rear and the rear already has new backing plate, brake shoes and hardware installed. So I am thinking replacing front to match rear.
How hard is it to do so?
I could not find any instruction showing the steps.
Do I have to completely remove front axle (cv joint) out or is it possible to just push them out of the way without removing entire axle?
Looking at some service manual, it seems removing steering knuckle is needed in order to remove the axle completely, which I want to avoid if possible.
The original differential is 3.73 but mechanics fixed this truck before I bought installed 4.10 in rear.
I found that front differential assembly is cheaper than the rear and the rear already has new backing plate, brake shoes and hardware installed. So I am thinking replacing front to match rear.
How hard is it to do so?
I could not find any instruction showing the steps.
Do I have to completely remove front axle (cv joint) out or is it possible to just push them out of the way without removing entire axle?
Looking at some service manual, it seems removing steering knuckle is needed in order to remove the axle completely, which I want to avoid if possible.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 123
Likes: 10
Will I have to remove the axle completely?
It looks like I have to remove steering knuckle, axle, and front drive shaft.
Anything else in the way?
I found used one on eBay for less than $100 with shipping. Which I think is a great price.
But I have a lot more things to fix on this truck..
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 123
Likes: 10
CARRIER FRONT AXLE 4.10 RATIO FITS 98-11 RANGER 247388 | eBay
Looks good in the picture. Probably should change seals just in case.
But, this is least of my priority now because there are more things that needs to be fixed. Have to replace rusted out rear doors and either weld holes or replace catalytic converter.
Looks good in the picture. Probably should change seals just in case.
But, this is least of my priority now because there are more things that needs to be fixed. Have to replace rusted out rear doors and either weld holes or replace catalytic converter.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 352
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From: Waukesha, WI
I bought a 4x4 Ranger with different gear ratio in front and back.
The original differential is 3.73 but mechanics fixed this truck before I bought installed 4.10 in rear.
I found that front differential assembly is cheaper than the rear and the rear already has new backing plate, brake shoes and hardware installed. So I am thinking replacing front to match rear.
How hard is it to do so?
I could not find any instruction showing the steps.
Do I have to completely remove front axle (cv joint) out or is it possible to just push them out of the way without removing entire axle?
Looking at some service manual, it seems removing steering knuckle is needed in order to remove the axle completely, which I want to avoid if possible.
The original differential is 3.73 but mechanics fixed this truck before I bought installed 4.10 in rear.
I found that front differential assembly is cheaper than the rear and the rear already has new backing plate, brake shoes and hardware installed. So I am thinking replacing front to match rear.
How hard is it to do so?
I could not find any instruction showing the steps.
Do I have to completely remove front axle (cv joint) out or is it possible to just push them out of the way without removing entire axle?
Looking at some service manual, it seems removing steering knuckle is needed in order to remove the axle completely, which I want to avoid if possible.
Difficulty is relative to your skills, experience, and tools available.
You would need to:
remove hubs
separate top ball joint from knuckle
separate tie rod ends from knuckle, probably
tilt steering knuckle aside to remove CV's, or separate the lower ball joint if desired.
remove front driveshaft
remove fasteners holding front diff to frame
Inspect steering/suspension components and replace if necessary
Install is opposite of removal
I've done this in my driveway, on jack stands, with hand tools.
I would say if you've done steering suspension work before and don't have any problems with seized fasteners, 3-4 hours working casually to remove the diff, and probably similar to re-install. If you've never done some of the stuff listed above it might be more time. A motivated person with experience could probably do it in half the time.
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 123
Likes: 10
Difficulty is relative to your skills, experience, and tools available.
You would need to:
remove hubs
separate top ball joint from knuckle
separate tie rod ends from knuckle, probably
tilt steering knuckle aside to remove CV's, or separate the lower ball joint if desired.
remove front driveshaft
remove fasteners holding front diff to frame
Inspect steering/suspension components and replace if necessary
Install is opposite of removal
I've done this in my driveway, on jack stands, with hand tools.
I would say if you've done steering suspension work before and don't have any problems with seized fasteners, 3-4 hours working casually to remove the diff, and probably similar to re-install. If you've never done some of the stuff listed above it might be more time. A motivated person with experience could probably do it in half the time.
You would need to:
remove hubs
separate top ball joint from knuckle
separate tie rod ends from knuckle, probably
tilt steering knuckle aside to remove CV's, or separate the lower ball joint if desired.
remove front driveshaft
remove fasteners holding front diff to frame
Inspect steering/suspension components and replace if necessary
Install is opposite of removal
I've done this in my driveway, on jack stands, with hand tools.
I would say if you've done steering suspension work before and don't have any problems with seized fasteners, 3-4 hours working casually to remove the diff, and probably similar to re-install. If you've never done some of the stuff listed above it might be more time. A motivated person with experience could probably do it in half the time.
Sounds like it is doable. I've done all of those before and my only worry is rusted and seized bolts + bad back I have...
How heavy was the differential? Were you able to lift it up in the place with out help of floor jack? I'm asking because my floor jack doesn't go high enough. I could put some blocks under the jack if I have to.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: Waukesha, WI
Sounds like it is doable. I've done all of those before and my only worry is rusted and seized bolts + bad back I have...
How heavy was the differential? Were you able to lift it up in the place with out help of floor jack? I'm asking because my floor jack doesn't go high enough. I could put some blocks under the jack if I have to.
How heavy was the differential? Were you able to lift it up in the place with out help of floor jack? I'm asking because my floor jack doesn't go high enough. I could put some blocks under the jack if I have to.
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shaun fom manchester
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Sep 13, 2003 09:02 AM