How to Remove C-Clips in Rangers
- 1). Park the Ranger on a level, paved surface. Place the transmission in Neutral because you may have to rotate the rear wheels. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Use a jack to raise the rear of the Ranger and support it with jack stands. Finish removing the rear wheels and lug nuts.
- 2). Place a drain pan under the rear axle cover. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the bolts from the axle cover. Remove the cover and allow the gear oil to drain into the pan.
- 3). Look at the ring-gear, which is the large gear that sits in a vertical position inside the housing. It is bolted to another part called the "carrier." Rotate the wheels until you can see the shaft -- about 1 inch in diameter -- that runs through the carrier. Find the small bolt that enters the side of the carrier at the end of the shaft. This bolt holds in the shaft. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the bolt.
- 4). Slide the shaft out of the carrier until you can see the ends of the axles. At this point, do not turn the axles under any circumstances, as this may displace the gears inside of the carrier.
- 5). Move to the outside of the axle -- where the wheel goes -- and push in on the axle. Move back to the axle housing. You will see the c-clip resting in a groove in the end of the axle. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the clip. Repeat for the other axle. The axles are now ready for removal.
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