It's been quite a while since I've been on here, lots of new stuff happening in my life lately!! :-)
Well I got my Ranger back from the dealer after paying them $550 to replace the Right front bearing and ABS sensor, as well as oil change. I still have a good bit that needs done to feel comfortable with it before winter. The big issue is the leaking real axel seal. I have an 02 FX4 with the 8.8 rear. How bad of a job is it to replace the rear axel seals? They have it listed at $291.80 estimate, with 4.0 hours labor. Any how-to's out there?
The dealer also has listed to replace rear brake shoes and resurface rear brake drums. Also on my list to do is service transmission and transfer case. I hope it is just a matter of replacing fluid. They noted "Extremely BAD! BLACK" on a paper from the shop. I don't know why it would be this bad at 45,000 miles. Is this list something I can tackle with a little help, or should I just pay to have these done at this point?
I know there is a lot of know how out there, I just need to pull it all together to decide if I can tack this or just fork out the $$$$ to have someone else do it. I'd rather try it and get the know how then have someone else do it though. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

unless you ride that thing like a vegas hooker, sound slike your dealer is trying to rip you a bit. do everything yourself, it's good to know how your truck works

 

You have to pull the rear axles out to do the seals, Nate -- I presume you mean the axle seals and not the pinion seal?

Basically, jack up the rear, put in on stands, and take off the rear wheels. Take off the diff cover and drain, remove the retaining bolt from the center pin on the diff and remove the pin, push the axle inward and remove the c-clips -- then the axles slide out.

Pry out the seals, and carefully seat in the new ones using a suitable large socket or other tool. Not too hard -- just time consuming. Reassemble everything and refill the diff -- done. Put the wheels on, let 'er down and go!

Happy thanksgiving to you also! Hope you're doing well, haven't seen you in awhlie.

 

Doesn't sound too bad. Yes, axel seals, not the pinion. The dealer did that one a montha or two ago. I think if I had more time and it was warm out, or I had a level garage, I'd be more willing to tackle this one. I'm still considering it, but also getting a few estimates on having someone do it, or helping out when being done.

Hope all is well with the family too John. Happy Thanksgiving to you all as well!

 

i replied to ur post on FTW. ****, id help ya do it if i didnt have anything to do this weekend.

u should come up to the st. clair day trip on saturday...

 

John, do you (or anyone else) have the propper technique for taking off the diff cover and replacing? What is the right sealer nad bolt tightening technique? I'm guesing I can get the gasket just about anywhere.

 

aint no special procudure, just snug the bolts or if u wanna get fancy torque em to 15-20 lb-fts...also use RTV for the gasket.

 

You can get Blue RTV gasket silicon from any autoparts store. Apply a bead on the differential housing, circling the bolt holes. Allow the bead to skin over slightly (5 minutes or so) and do the same with the differential cover. Finger tighten all the bolts, but when you snug them up with a wrench, use a circular tightening technique like you would with lug nuts.

Allow the gasket silicon to cure before you fill the differential back up. I'm not insulting your intelligence...this happens more often than you or I can imagine.

Also, replacing your transmission and transfer case fluids is very simple. There is no way I'd pay what the dealer is charging when you could do it yourself for $30.

 

Any need for Lock Tight on the retaining bolt for the center pin? I heard that you should do that on another site?
Also, John, who do you get your AMSOIL through? Is there any additional thigs I need to know if going with that?