Need Help Identifying This Part

[brownbronco]

Just got my first Bronco and I need some help identifying a part on the front end. The Bronco is a 75 Ranger, rebuilt 302 w/ C4 I have attached photos showing the part and its location. It is the rod that runs side to side under the differential. It is tied into plates on the out side of each strut arm. The ends of the rod are threaded and apparently can be adjusted. I have no idea what it is or how to adjust it (if required) or if the part is even required (I can't find it in any parts catalog or the 74 factory service manual).

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[76Explorer]

It's suppose to help protect your front axle. I can't remember what it's called, but you can get rid of it. I had one on my 76 and it was the first thing to go.

 

[STLKIKN]

You wont find that part listed in a factory manual...

That is called an axle truss. Its purpose is to preload the axle housing in order to keep the axle tubes from bending upward during hard use such as jumping your EB.

 

[89Bronco58]

thats just there to strenghthen up your axle....like a support brace (axle truss)

 

[brownbronco]

Thanks for the info.

So then - what is the best way to remove this useless item? As I see it - the system will cause more problems with wear on the axle housing than it worth.

 

[Seabronc]

Thanks for the info.So then - what is the best way to remove this useless item?  As I see it - the system will cause more problems with wear on the axle housing than it worth.

29953[/snapback]

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It's your truck and you can do anything you like. Ford isn't into adding useless parts, it cost them too much. If they put it there to strengthin the axle, they believed it was necessary. Other wise they would have saved themselves a couple million by leaving it out. So read the previous posts about it's purpose and consider how you will be using the truck before you make any decision. Exactly how much excess wear has it caused over the past 30 years? Can you see it wearing thru the differential? Are the mounting brackets worn out?

Good luck,

>-

 

[S_bolt19]

The problem you will have with it is that it will grab something when you are wheeling. It takes what ever ground clearence you had and reduces it by a few inches. Now unless you are using this rig as a jumper, you have a pretty strong front axle (Dana 44). I would be more willing to remove it as opposed to taking one off of a Dana 30 axle. But in either case, the strength of the axle is already there, removing this will not cause it to fold in half on you, it is what some would look at as over ***** me in particular.

 

[76Explorer]

Thanks for the info.So then - what is the best way to remove this useless item?  As I see it - the system will cause more problems with wear on the axle housing than it worth.

29953[/snapback]

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Remove the nuts at each end and remove the rod, then lift the hook up and over the axle one at a time.

 

[brownbronco]

Thanks for the help. The parts are on the ground.

Due to a bad front yoke (next project) - it is currently a 2wd and the truck is used to run to Home Depot and the Dump. Plus I am still sorting the truck out. I had to rebuild the C4 and the D-20 and rebush the front end to make it driveable. When I am satisfied that we have reliability - I will get it dirty. But remember - I'm an old fart and my idea of ********* would be your idea of drive in the field.