Genuine 1998 Ford Ranger Axle Shaft

1998 Ford Ranger Axle Shaft Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q:

  How to remove and install the rear axle shaft on 1998 Ford Ranger?

  Posted by Sallie H.

  A:

  Loosen the lug nuts at the rear wheels, then proceed to lift the rear of the car and safely real on jackstands so that the rear wheels can be removed. Lose the axleshafts, unscrew the brake line junction block which is mounted on the axle housing and release the brake lines from the clips of the axle housing. Pull the rear anti lock electrical connector off the sensor on the axle housing and pry off the rear brake drums. Take out those nuts and bolts holding the Brake Dust Shield to the axle and gently pray the backing plate and the axle housing apart, use wires to support the brake line but beware do not bend the brake line. Remove the hose connecting the vent to the axle housing and replace the crimp-style clamp arrangement with a screw-type. Position a transmission jack under the axle housing, which shall be buckled with a strap or chain, and then turning the jack until the axle housing is off. Nylon lock washers-two Lift the shock mounting bracket from the spring, then unbolt the U-bolt nuts that attach the bracket to the axle but do not remove the ABS bracket from the spring U-bolts. Remove the SB bracket bolts from the axle housing and swing the stabilizer bar aside. Lift the axle off the spring and pull it towards the right until the left end of the axle shaft is clear of the spring, then turn the left end of the axle housing downwards, take down the axle and pull it still more to the right to extract it from under the car. The process of installation is exactly the opposite of the removal; and makes sure that all the bolts and nuts such as the wheel lug nuts are tightened to the requisite torque levels.

  Answered by Ford Parts Specialist George / Feb 26, 2026