1996 Bronco slip axle

[bno632]

I have a 1996 full size bronco and there is a "clunking" problem when you leave a stop. I'm told it has to do with the slip axle. What can I do to fix it and is it doing any damage???

[Truck]

With my experience and 'Clunking' I would check the U-joint first. I've noticed three stages....1) Clunking 2.) Vibrations (Noticable in the side mirrors) 3.) Emergency Flashers. (F.O.R.D. Indeed.)

Hth


My 88 has a slip Drive shaft, but my 87 has a solid shaft, both went out like gangbusters.]

[clintdorey]

I have that same problem with my 95 full size Bronco. The machanic told me it was the bushings on the radius arms. I had them and the axlejoints replaced and i can still haer it.

???????????

[Tractor 68 Boy]

U joints here too, at least to start.

[clintdorey]

Is the u-joint the same as an axle joint?

[Truck]

I've never heard of them being referred to as axle-joints. (Which, I would guess would be in the axles-somewhere around the diffs???)

The U-joints are the X-shaped round pieces that connect the output shaft to -driveshaft-to differential. There are 3 in the rear axle of an AT. 2 in the MT. The front shaft has 2 in all cases. (Not a guarantee.) The way to best "check" is to climb underneath and check for play. (Have a bud apply the brake, and put in neutral, if you'd like.)

If you're hearing this as you go down the road in 2wd, no need to check the front shaft.

My '85 BII has radius arm problems, and it drives like a squirrell. (very dodgy in the corners, not so great in straight-line driving.) If you can't keep the thing on the road, it would be those.

[bno632]

I have taken the slip axle apart and packed it with some grease. The clunking on take-off has gone away but after a few months it starts again. I'm looking for long term fix not this bandaid.

[Paul Masley]

Take a shock bushing, grease it well with lithium and shove it into the shaft that slips into the back of the transfer case. Make sure the bushing fits tight. The clunk is caused by one of Fords Better Ideas. Sealing the tailshaft from the transfer case. The result is no lube to the shaft splines. The shock bushing will soften the blow from the rear axle wrap-up that you are experiencing. When the axle wraps, it pulls the shaft out and upon unwrapping, it slaps back into the housing.

It is a common problem and the repair mentioned is from an old Ford mechanic. It works. I have used it on both, my 85 and 96 F-150, and on the wife's Grand Cherokee.

[pkr34gtr]

I have the same problem on my 1992 full size, i sit a big project to fix, do you need any specialty tools?

[pkr34gtr]

I have the same problem on my 1992 full size, i sit a big project to fix, do you need any specialty tools? There are some temporary fixes listed here, are there any more permanent fixes?