I have a 92' Ford Ranger XLT with touch drive 4WD and 2.9 V6. I was getting ready to replace/repack the front wheel bearings. I was also planning on replacing the spindle needle bearings also.

I was looking very closely again at the Chilton's Manual diagram attached here. I know the front wheel rotor/hubs spin on the outer and inner wheel bearings on the spindle.

I don't think I was fully understanding the operation of my auto locking hub before.

If you look at the diagram the spindle needle bearing (not pictured) is inside the spindle. But the spindle needle bearing rollers only spin when 4WD is engaged..........otherwise in 2WD it does not spin at all? Am I correct?

If so, then it doesn't seem necessary for me to replace the spindle needle bearings. My 4WD is broke anyway and I haven't used it for many years.

Attached Images

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If my thinking is correct that only spins when the transfer case is engaged or if you had manual hubs such as myself if you have the hubs locked in.

__________________
Matthew Vogt
96 Mazda B4000
4.0 4x4

If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy

Yeah, That is what I was thinking also Matthew.