31 spline
disc brakes
hard lines are different
3/4" wider per side
spring pads are on the bottom of the axle
no shock tabs
has brackets for sway bar
bigger wheel bearing
axle tube is 3.25" in diameter (OD) compared to 2.75" OD

 

$1200 to $1300 for an a rear axle, I'd be calling around a few junkyards first. Shouldn't be more than $300 from a junkyard.

 

i had a similar situation a few weeks ago except i didn't break anything and a semi almost hit me instead lol

 

It does seem high from you guys are saying, and they did say it would a used dif/axle from another ranger (approx. 79K miles on it, mine has 75K) I think ill call around, or see what my options may be elsewere. The 1200-1300 is for labor, rearaxle, rear dif etc.

Zach. I see the differences your talking about, but what will that do to improve, or w/e. Or what makes that better than the other axle?

 

Axle swap in the rear is not hard at all. 1300 bucks!!!! Probley comes from Ford and there NOS parts are awfully high. Just go rip one out of another ranger or get an exploder one and save yourself 1000 bucks.

 

the ex axle has more options to build with, you get the DISC brakes instead of the crappy drum brakes, the overall axle is stronger.... personally if i knew the width of my axle in my dodge i'd swap it out for a ex 8.8 or lvl 2 8.8

 

I replaced my rear with a 14k axle in about 4 hrs and $350 two years ago. Really easy job, not a 1300 dollar job that's for sure.
If you DIY, have new u bolts ready, and just cut off the old ones. Makes it way easier.

 

No offence to the OP but it doesnt sound like he has the skill to install a Explorer Axle into his truck. It's not very hard, but there is welding and lots of grinding/cutting. Sounds like your best bet would be to find a Ranger axle with L/S and the same gear ratio as your current rear. If you are lucky, you may be able to find a 31 spline Lvl II axle.


Edit: Your in IN, Pay Zach to do it for you.

 

jeff u got pics of your truck? i dont think i've ever seen it..

 

Yeah, here are a couple:

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=55493

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=48883

I'm going to get some more soon.....the guy at Ratcage wants some.

 

Where is the truck now man? Think we can get it on a trailer? Would you be interested in getting an axle from a junk yard? If I have time tomorrow I will swing by and take a look at it. If its as simple as a axle swap I can give you a hand. Saturday I am jam packed tho...

Do you have the equipment to go pickup your own axle at a junk yard? I can call a few places too.

If you would rather just pay someone I understand but I think we could work something out that would be much cheaper for you...

Shoot me a PM

 

I was kidding Zach but damn, you are a good guy. hehe

 

Its cool, I'll help him out if he needs it. Hopefully he can find a good deal in a junkyard...

I just had an 8.8 or if it was about 4 months from now he could buy mine. haha

 

to bad it's not just the axle shaft, I have one sitting here.

edit.....if you find the gears, carrier, l/s....the housing on the axle you have may be good. Who know, the mechanic may be trying to screw you and all you need is a shaft. idk, just a fyi

 

What type of insurance do you have (full coverage), or wont your insurance cover this?

 

The Edge diff is a 28 spline 8.8
Expo diff is a 31 spline with larger axle shafts and no c-clips.
However the Expo diff is spring under so you'll have to cut the shock mounts and spring perches to relocate them to a spring over setup.

 

No, ALL 8.8s are C clip.

 

Zach, Pm Sent

How much do think this might cost doing it our selves? My deductable is 500 so weighing the options ya know

 

Aren't those free, anyway?? Some of the mechanics around here are always giving folks the shaft...

 

yea but your 8.8 is far from stock....C-clip eliminators are wonderful!

 

OEM wiseass.....

 

I just called 2 junkyards and they want way too much. 500 is the lowest quote I got...

I sold my last one for 200. lol IDK why they think they need that much for it.


We would need to find one for 200-250 inorder to make it worth it below your deductable. so you might as well claim it under insurance.

 

cool, thanks for the offer though for helping. ill claim it

 

ive seen alot of different forums selling axles for 300 like therangerstation.com