Expedition Front Axle

[tarafied1]

My 4 wheel drive in the Expedition has not been working. A little while ago I could see that the passenger side axle shaft was disengaged from the differential. The only way to pull the cover was to drop the whole axle as the diff cover is part of the mounting to the chassis.
Since I managed to install a 9" diff in the Stang by my self I figured I could drop the front axle on the Expy. I got it out in about 1 and half hours. Pulled the cover and found the the "C-clip" on that axle was broken. I will have to check and make sure there is no other damage.

 

[tarafied1]

axle shaft has buggered splines on the end but I think it will be okay

this is the driver's side stub axle still in place with snap ring intact

broken snap ring

everything else looks okay

 

[Larry G]

And you're doing this with a broken foot? You should to taking it easy and let that foot heal so it will be good as new for the PT.

 

[tarafied1]

I know, I'm really pushing my luck. I figure that most of the time I am laying on the ground so I'm not stressing the foot too much.

 

[Larry G]

If you screw it up any more you're gonna be real pissed and Tara will probably kick your a!!.

 

[tarafied1]

If you screw it up any more you're gonna be real pissed and Tara will probably kick your a!!.

you know her well!

 

[Anonymous]

What? A broken foot? Can we start a club. We need a section titled "On the mend."

 

[tarafied1]

What? A broken foot? Can we start a club. We need a section titled "On the mend."

you too?

 

[Anonymous]

Naaa, mine is from about 26 years ago (crushed). I would have a rebuild done about every 8 years and was good for 8 more. Last one was about two years ago and was a major flop, some paralysis now and set up RSD. On the plus side, I can shoot myself in the foot and never know it.

 

[tarafied1]

I just broke a bone in my foot last week. They are hoping the cast will allow it to heal so I don't need any screws or pins. Nothing major like yours though.

 

[Anonymous]

I can't stress enough, take it easy and let heal right.

 

[B67FSTB]

Seems to be the lefty foot.No harm there !! You can still push the accelerator pedal !!!

Regarding the C-clips : seems it had endurence some kind of load on it.But it shouldn't ??!!!

I would check the front suspension :confu

 

[tarafied1]

yes, my left foot! I can still mash the gas!!!
I agree that the snap-ring should not have broke. I have replaced the ball joints and sway bar links and had an alignment and new tires.
It drives well but the seal leaks really bad. I am guessing someone along the way tried to "pull" the axle to replace the seal not knowing it was held in by a snap ring.
My Thunderbird (that I gave to my son) has IRS with 8.8 and you can just pull the axles out.