There's probably already been a number of posts about this, but how easy is it to install a warn 424 on a 04 rancher? I am very mechanically inclined, I'm a Ford auto technician full-time. How long does it take and what tools will i need? And how many fingers am I going to lose? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

If your a mechanic you will have no trouble at all. Basic hand tools will ne needed, air tools make some stuff faster like the diff bolts, I took 2 hours to install mine but that was really taking my time cleaning other pieces as I went. The instructions from warn are fantastic, follow them to the letter and you'll have no troubles at all. basically you remove some of the lower plastics to get easy access to everything unbolt the front diff, haul it forward to free the stock shaft, insert the new shaft, route the cable and reasseble. I dont remember if you have to seperate the front spindles and ball joints, if so its still not a big job, I just had mine apart to repair 2 CV joint boots.

 

I'm getting one for my 450.
They say it makes a big difference.

 

If you're a Ford mechanic then you are way more qualified to do this than necessary. Walk in the park, seriously......

 

Check the Rancher links below. Best to have a buddy help with holding the front diff toward the front while popping in the 424. This took about 10 minutes for me to do working alone. Not sure if my used Rancher was crunched a bit before me. The front bumper was new and I had a slightly bent rim. Drives straight though.

424 well worth it. Much easier to steer on the blacktop or hardpack. Easier for my wife and kids to drive to.

Rob

 

Like "robnhouston" said, it helps to have an extra set of hands to help hold things apart. It took me about 45 mins from start to test ride. I also cleaned some things while it was apart so I might have been able to do it in about 30 mins. Either way it is not hard and the instructions from Warn are very good.

You will love the difference that it makes. Not only does it drive easier but it is alot more fun when you are in 2X4.

Good luck,
Cirviver

 

The biggest pain is just getting the Warn shaft to go in. The trick is to just make sure that the diff. is all the way forward and to remove the front mounting bracket all the way. When you route up the cable, try to eliminate as many kinks as possible. You'll love having the 424. It's like night and day.

 

Yeah take the front bracket off the fram and the differential, it gives you the 1" you need!!!

 

Thats what I'm hopeing.

 

Beware the two ball-bearings in the **** shaft. If you pull the shaft out too far they are proe to falling out. I welded up the groves in the mounting bracket and re-drilled holes for u-bolts. This allowed me to mount it on the rack instead of drilling plastic.