Differential Cover and more

Frez1812 · #1 06-06-2012, 11:48 AM

I own a 2004 Ford Ranger 4x4 , 4.0, 5 speed with 80,000 miles on her. I have a rear axle seal that just started leaking that I would like to repair. My axle code is (97). It says I have a 8.8 , but I don't know the spline? I'd like to replace my differential cover with a new one while it's off. Is there any I should stay away from? I'm considering the one from autozone that is like 20.00. I like the idea of replace the differential bolts with some stainless steal ones. Would anyone know the size off hand? Here are my questions before I swap out the rear axel seals.

1. Rear axle seal.....I should do both while i'm back there, correct?

2. What about my rear bearings while I'm at it? Should i consider replacing them and is there anything else I should look at for wear? What would I need besides the bearings?

Thanks for your time, it's much appreciated.

Pietato · #2 06-08-2012, 07:09 AM

sorry I cant help. but I am interested as well

03rangdang · #3 06-08-2012, 07:38 AM

I just did my axle seals and bears. You should do both sides while you are back there. very easy install, The cover i dont know much about b/c i just threw back on the original one, you might want to just go online using summit, jegs or LMC truck websites to see what they offer. While you have the axles out inspect the ends of the axles (side by the hub) to make sure that the axle metal hasnt worn away. Plus check out your drums and think about replaceing the drums, shoes and hardware b/c you going to have to take that apart as well.

Frez1812 · #4 06-09-2012, 06:03 AM

Thank you for the reply. I'm going to tackle this job sometime this week I hope. I will probably just do the seals for now. I think everything else is just fine. A new differential cover is probably a good idea and I will do that also. Wish I new the bolt size for them because I'd like to replace them with some new SS bolts.

Thanks

03rangdang · #5 06-09-2012, 08:57 AM

If you do the sealskin might want to think about bearing to they are right there behind the seals....

Frez1812 · #6 06-10-2012, 03:36 AM

On the Autozone website it shows 2 rear bearings for my 8.8 rear end truck. One is an axle repair bearing, WTF is that? Do I just need the bearing and seal?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-jm2fxZah8dj

03rangdang · #7 06-10-2012, 06:40 AM

To be honest you should do the bearings, you will be right there when you pull the seals out. Think about it like this what happens if a month down the road or longer a bearing goes bad, then you'll have to not only take everything apart again but you'll have to replace the seals again. The rear fluid is going to have to be changed also ford rear end fluid is 75W190.

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I don't know what they mean by repair bears but just go with timken OEM spec. Or if they have motorcraft bearing.