God help me. I have new ball joints installed on my 2000 ranger 4wd. didn't realize i would have to take the axle out of the hub to get it back on lower ball joint. How in the hell does it come out??? I've taken the three bolts that hold hub on but didn't do much but allow me to separate the hub barely. How don't pull the axle.

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 5-speed

I'm confused by how you worded (didn't word) that post, but I think the upshot is you want to separate each splined 1/2 shaft from the hub that it's engaged with. I've always used a two jaw puller; a three jaw puller would also work fine. If you start smacking on it with a hammer, you run the risk of damaging threads and the CV joint itself.

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2004 Ranger FX4 Level II, 5R55E, Sonic Blue Pearl

Proudly JAP/RICE free since March 2000

There was a spring clip and a plastic retaining clip inside
Of the hub. On the axle - I just got those off. Broke the plastic retaining clip but I couldn't see any other way to get it out. So it's out now. Just thought there would be an easier way.

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 5-speed

Well, I guess the good news is the aftermarket replacement on ebay are real cheap these days.

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2004 Ranger FX4 Level II, 5R55E, Sonic Blue Pearl

Proudly JAP/RICE free since March 2000

What would need replaced. Just the clip?

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 5-speed

so the part number for the clip that wad broken is F87Z-3B457-AA.
It is the orange plastic retaining clip and there is also a metal spring on the cv shaft. Is this really all that holds the cv axle in? are they completely mandatory. I snapped off about a quarter of the plastic clip and re-installed the remaining section just in case that would help anything. They are like $30. for the clip.

Anybody have any advise on this? I am doing the drivers side this evening and would love to not damage that one trying to get it out

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 5-speed