_Required Tools:
- Wheel chocks or parking brake
- Safety glasses
- Lug wrench or impact wrench
- Socket wrench set
- Jack and jack stands
- Pliers or snap ring pliers_
1. Safety Precautions:
- Engage parking brake and use wheel chocks to secure the Ranger in place to prevent accidental movement.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
2. Disassemble Wheels:
- Use a lug wrench or impact wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts from the front wheels.
- Slide off the wheels and set them aside.
3. Remove Brake Calipers:
- Locate the brake calipers near the wheels. Use a socket wrench set to remove the bolts or screws holding the caliper in place.
- Gently hang the caliper aside, taking care not to damage the brake line.
4. Disconnect Drive Shaft:
- Look for the drive shaft connected to the front differential. Depending on your model, there might be a single driveshaft or two.
- Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the bolts attaching the driveshaft to the differential and hub assembly.
- Carefully slide out the driveshaft. Note the placement of bolts and washers so you'd know where to reinstall them later.
5. Remove Tie Rod Ends:
- Locate the tie rods connected to the steering system. They're typically secured by ball joints or snap rings.
- If there are snap rings, use snap ring pliers to remove them and detach the tie-rods.
- Remove the hardware holding ball joints in place and separate them using a prying tool if necessary.
6. Remove Hub Assemblies:
- This can be the most challenging step. Depending on your Ranger model, you might need to remove bolts or snap rings holding the hub in place.
- In some models, you may need to use a gear puller to press the hub off the spindle carefully.
- Take note of any internal parts or shims that come out with the hub assembly.
7. Remove the Front Axle:
- Once the hubs are removed, you should be able to access the front axle. It is usually secured with bolts or a lock nut.
- With a socket wrench, remove the bolts or nut holding the axle in place.
- Gently slide out the front axle from its housing.
8. Reassemble:
- To reinstall the front axle, follow the steps above in reverse order. Be sure to tighten bolts and nuts securely.
9. Alignment Check:
- After completing the reassembly, it's important to take the Ranger to a qualified mechanic for a front-end alignment to ensure proper steering and handling.
Remember, if you encounter any difficulties or have doubts, consulting with a qualified mechanic is recommended. Safety should always be a priority when working on vehicles.
