Well as many of you know my 2003 FX4 Level II axle that I installed came pre-damaged courtesy of the DPO. The passenger side axle shaft flange is bent, probably from the accident that totaled the truck. It causes the wheel and tires to move back and forth as I drive. This causes vibrations, instability, improper tire wear, and stress on the shaft. I am desperately trying to find a replacement but it is very difficult because of the part rarity.

I am currently looking locally through car-part.com for a used replacement to no avail. I am also looking at new aftermarket replacements must co. I am trying to keep it under $150 total price so shipping is almost completely out of the question unless you want to donate the shaft to me and I all I have to pay is shipping :)

It must come from a 2002 FX4 or a 2003-2008/9 FX4 Level II with the 31-spline axle. Other 8.8 Rangers have the 28-spline shafts and the Explorer shafts are too long.

My current lowest price I have gotten is $210

If anyone knows of any aftermarket companies that I should look into or knows where I can get a used one in the Northeast Area of the US please let me know. Thanks

 

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Drivetrai..._pn=MIDMG25139

What about this one?


MORE INFO:

Ford Part number:
F87Z4234BA

Length is:
27 1/4

 

Years are not the years you are looking for... I'm certainly no expert... but my guess would be they might be a different length? Is it possible to have an explorer shaft shortened?

 

Looks like the only lengths they offer for the 31 spline 8.8 are 30.5, 27.62, and 27.25... guess it just depends which one you need. First 2 are explorer.. and the 3rd is the one you posted above for earlier rangers.

 

yeah it says 83-97 Ranger but the 31-spline shaft came out in 2002 so....

And the expo shaft is 27 5/8 while the FX4 shaft is 27 1/4. you can't shorten them because the C-clip goes into the end at an exact spot so it you shortened it you should be able to lock it in.

 

there is no 31-spline shaft for earlier ranger and there are only 2 ranger shaft lengths. the old length for the pre-93s and the new length for 93+ which is 27 1/4

 

So that 27 1/4" shaft you posted should work then right? I say spend the $90, see if it works.. if not.. return it :) Worth a shot. Unless you wanna search through a LOT of junk yards.

 

Yeah i think I'm going to ahead and order it. I just need some wheel studs for it and it should be good to go. If not I can return it about 45 minutes away at the 4wheelparts store in Cleveland.

 

Could always call and talk to em. Either way, let us know how it goes. Could be good information to know.

 

I know a junkyard in Michigan that has a complete 2003 LII axle - at least they did as of a week ago. The truck was hit in the front so it's probably OK.

 

Interesting. I will check into it. Do you know the name of the place so I can call? Most of the time they don't like to part out complete, undamaged axles.

Can you take a look at that link I posted up to 4wheelparts? I would like to get your opinion on it and see if you think it's the right part even though it has the wrong years listed.

 

Monster Auto in Clio, MI. I'd be very surprised if they would sell just the axle shaft. The whole thing might be as cheap as a new shaft...or not. I have no idea what they'd charge. On the negative side, the truck had about 140,000 on it.

Comes up as a 01~09 31-spline LII RH axle shaft on www.TascaParts.com
$184 + 17 shipping (from RI to my zip).

 

Yeah I looked on Tasca last week but it was a little pricey, plus I really don't need a Ford one, I can save some money by going aftermarket. Dorman only sells the 28-spline shafts unfortunately :(

I think I'm going to go ahead and order the one from 4wheelparts. Worst case it's not the right thing and I get my money back lol.

 

Personally, I wouldn't use anyone's Chinese replacement parts on my truck, Dorman's or otherwise. Too many horror stories.

Judging by the $81 price, I'd be willing to bet that the ones from 4WP are Chinese too. Besides that, the conflicts in the description say that they don't know what they're selling. I'd definitely ask some questions before ordering.

 

Yeah I already sent an email to them asking to clarify.

 

Honestly, I'd probably say to change out the axle. I bought an axle that some stupid hick told me was from a ranger that got hit in the front. When one of my rear tires wore bald on the outside 1/4 within a few thousand miles it was apparent that wasn't the case. So I swapped in two new axle shafts from the old axle off of another members truck hoping to fix it. Didn't do anything and I wound up having to swap that axle out for a different one.

 

It's defiantly just the flange on the one side. I had the tubes inspected and they aren't bent or anything. This wouldn't be a big deal at all if I had just gone with a 28-spline 8.8 or an Expo 8.8 but this thing just kinda popped into the picture right when I was looking for it and I couldn't pass it up. Plus for all the trouble it was to install I'm not ready to give up on it yet.

 

You can have an expo shaft shortened and re-splined. And while they're re-splining it in the machine shop, they can machine in that groove for the c-clip. Probably your cheapest alternative.

 

i don't want to garbage up this thread any more, but judging on the fact that you have a 2.5l and 31s, the 31spline axle is already overkill. You're better of economically to just swap to a 28spline 8.8.

Or do what TrePaul said, that is your best bet if you want to keep the 31spline axle.....

 

I'll look into a shop around here than can do that. In the mean time I am checking the price at the stealership and waiting on a reply from 4wheelparts about there shaft.

 

I'd go with what Bob said. Don't buy aftermarket shafts unless they're chromo's. OEM is your best bet from the dealership for quality and reliability for something like this. Things like mirrors, bumpers and that sorta stuff is ok to buy knock offs, but not stuff that you have to depend on.

 

It's made by Motive Gears, I'm not too worried about quality. I mean if the dealership has a better price than for sure I will go with them but I'm not money bags here.

 

Then don't get back on the thread after it breaks because of it's quality and your want to go cheap on something you shouldn't. Just sayin'.

 

Little late now. I probably should have thought of it before hand.

I hear ya.


I will fill you guys in when I decide what to do. I went up to Ford today and the guy needed a VIN to find it so I grabbed one off a Level II on eBay and I'm heading back up. I'm guessing it will be near $200 based off Tascas price of $180.

UPDATE: They wanted $280 lol. That's more than Tascas price including shipping.

 

$280? Cant you find a 28 spline cheaper for the whole axle? Sucks dude.. Surely getting the expo shaft cut and machined is going to be cheaper, at least i would hope so. Or try ur luck with the cheap shaft, if you dont wheel it you might be ok.