Posted by Mark (IP: 192.62.90.64) on April 07, 1999 at 10:19:14:
In Reply to: REAR-END BLUES posted by WEST on April 06, 1999 at 16:37:20:
: Well my other Ford musta got jelous of all the attention I was giving my Mav. cause she decided to break her pinion shaft in the rear. It's a '78 Bronco 4x4 and has been good up til now. Arg. If anyone has information about costs and fixing, I would be appreciative. It is a semi-floating/removable housing rear. I've gotten it apart enough to find where it broke, but i want to know what's cheaper....taking the 3rd member in or junkyard rear or ??? I'm not only stuck, but p.o.'d....thanks in advance. Also, any tips on getting the 3rd member out would help, as I have never done this before....
What gear ratio is it? I know where there is a 3.50:1 in a yard here near Austin Texas. The chunk is just sitting on the floor already out of the rear.
As far as removing the chunk(center section), from the Mav stand point, remove the rear tires, brake drums and all brake components. Then you'll have to get to the four bolts for the axle on the inside of the brake back plate. You may need to use a puller to get the axles out. At this point, unbolt the drive shaft, then the chuck and take it out. Clean out all the old oil. Use a broom handle to shove a towel through both sides of the axle housing. Then install the new chunk in reverse order of taking the old one out.
As for the gear ratio. Check for the gear tag. Should show 9 3 50 at the bottom. Or something like that. If no tag, when you get the chunk out count the teeth on the ring gear marking the first with something like liquid paper for a starting point, then count the pinion teeth. Divide the larger by the smaller to get the ratio. Good luck, and let me know on the gear.