Hey Y'all!

I have a 1978 Ford Bronco Ranger Big Block 4x4 and I need help on where to begin to replace the U joints on the front axle. I have already replaced the shocks and bushings, but I don't know how to go about the U-joints. Any advise?

 

If you are talking about the ones on each end of the axle (behind the wheels as opposed to the drive shaft), you need to remove the hubs, then begin to remove the c clips, the large flat nuts in front of the bearings (theres a socket for that you can get at any parts store...they come in two sizes or you can loosen them with a screwdriver/hammer, but be real carefull...Its worth spending the few bucks on the socket) and that should free up your disk (assuming youve already taken the caliper off). Slide that all off the spindle and you should be able to slide the axle out...its been a while since Ive done it, so anyone..please jump in with corrections. If youve never been in there before, just take good notes on the order you remove things. There may be an axle flange, but it should be pretty obvious what you need to do once you get in there..hope this helps...good luck !

 

you got it right john, some of those u-joints were injected with the plastic to retain the caps on, you will need fire to remove that, be careful not to damage the flange for the seal mount on the outer axle while changing that u-joint. if they have never been done it is wise to have it done by a press

 

have to remove the spindle tube also remember to check the needl bearing in the spindle once you get it off. if the spindle won't come off easlyuse a slide hammer with a nut that fits the spindle threads I made one with 2 old spindle nuts a peice of pipe and a flat plate threade to the size of my slide hammer.
and some welding