Wanted to replace the rear pinion seal, ABS sensor, axle seals, and differential seal cover today in my 96 Ranger 2wd. Managed to get all of it done without too much swearing or bloody knuckles...except for the rear pinion seal. I can't manage to get the drive shaft off the rear pinion flange. Got the four bolts out just fine, but I can't knock the drive shaft loose from the flange. Is there some trick to this that I'm just not seeing? I hit it with PB Blaster for three or four days running before trying to get it apart, but it really doesn't look like it's rusted together.

What are my options? Jack it up and let the weight of the truck push it off? Wail on it with a sledge? I'm not inclined to try a torch on it because it's right next to the gas tank. I don't have a lift so whatever I do has to be performed with the truck on wheel ramps.

 

You can usually knock it apart with a hammer.

 

most u-joints have a part sticking out on the end of the cap for hammering on. it will break them loose and sometimes you need a prybar to pull with

 

I stuck a flat head in between the pinion and the drive shaft and hit it with a hammer. popped right off.

when i put it back together i locktited the drive shaft bolts. needless to say if i ever need to do my pinion seal i'll be ****-outta-luck.

whats the ABS sensor? that thing that bolts onto the top of the pumpkin right? with the pigtail coming outta it? you can replace that?

 

Yeah, there's a speed sensor on mine. It's not exactly on top of the pumpkin, it's just below the top edge, kind of facing towards the front of the vehicle. And yes, I had to replace it because it was making the ABS light on my dash come on. It was less than $15.Held in place by a 1/2" hex bolt, and then you can just pop it out of the pumpkin. Took all of three minutes to replace it. Took a lot longer cleaning up around it before removal though -- you don't want anything nasty to fall into the differential.

Thanks to everyone who gave suggestions here; I'll try again to pop that drive shaft off when I get home from work tonight.

 

ok then yeah i know what you are talking about. i had to swap mine when i put my 8.8 in. i just didn't know you could replace them.