1999 Ranger. Front left PVH hub got all jacked up. Wanted to go to manual rugged ridge locking hubs anyway. Mechanic shop replaced front driver's side axle but it looks to me like the axle he installed is too short. I couldn't get the aftermarket hubs on and after looking around on youtube realize that the axle on all the DIY videos stick out farther than the new one he installed.

Two questions please:

1. from the picture does it look like the axle is too short to you (someone who knows what it should look like on a 99)

2. How difficult is it to replace the axle myself? It's not a dog leg shifter obviously so if I order another axle can a reasonably smart guy do it himself? I'm a little nervous to mess with the electronics of the transfer case.

Either way I can't get the manual hubs on until I get this axle fixed.

 

Pic