Level 2 Axle codes. . .Help?
#1
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Trexlertown,Pennslyvania
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#6
#7
unless you get really lucky, you'll be better off with an explorer axle. 31-spline, rear disk brakes, and a little wider. can't beat it. Plus they're 'a dime a dozen' and can be bought for next to nothing.
Not get a 31spline? idk, he already has a 28spline, they're pretty tough as is.
Not get a 31spline? idk, he already has a 28spline, they're pretty tough as is.
#10
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why a level 2? yes the locker, but its less of a hassle to weld up the shock tabs and relocate the pinion angle etc etc. i dont really care for rear disc on this truck. It stops on a dime as it is. I also use my truck for more then just wheeling, i haul alot of landscape material. i want a better axle and leaf packs.
#15
Jason. Best thing to do is go looking. No yard know what they have...NONE!. I got my '05 L2 axle with 38k on the clock for $150. Take a string and wrap it around your current axle tubes(28 spline). Compare it to other axles at the yard. The circumfrence of the tubes are a huge difference. Pop the cover off...see the torsen. Uses a center block instead of a center pin. Note the outer edges of the housing....where the outside bearing is and axle seals are...the 31 spline axle 'notch down' at the ends a pretty good amount. Whereas the 28spline have a small 'notch'...both use the same outer bearings. And visually...31spline looks beefier than a 28spline. Axle tube diameter is about 1/4" bigger I believe.
I'm saying this all because yards have no clue what they have....they only know they've got a 8.8", x.xx ratio, limited or open diff, mileage.. That's it.
I am unaware of any special codes on the axle or the vin of the truck to designate it to have a 31spline axle.
Here's a little comparo....
28spline
31spline
I'm saying this all because yards have no clue what they have....they only know they've got a 8.8", x.xx ratio, limited or open diff, mileage.. That's it.
I am unaware of any special codes on the axle or the vin of the truck to designate it to have a 31spline axle.
Here's a little comparo....
28spline
31spline
#16
Sure the explorer axle is going to take a little more work, but I think finding a 31 spline ranger axle is going to be a pita. Well then again, the jeep guys would only be on the lookout for explorers most likely, but it may take some searching to find one.
The outer bearing are the same I believe, like Shane said. But in my experience when axleshafts break it is just outside the splines where the shaft goes into the diff...
I would say the best way to ID one is simply to measure using a string or micrometer or something around the axle tube. Side by side, it is an obvious difference.
The outer bearing are the same I believe, like Shane said. But in my experience when axleshafts break it is just outside the splines where the shaft goes into the diff...
I would say the best way to ID one is simply to measure using a string or micrometer or something around the axle tube. Side by side, it is an obvious difference.
#17
I used a tape measure wrapped around the tube to confirm that I did indeed find an Fx4L2 31spline axle.
The only concern I sorta have with the Ranger 31spline....replacement shafts. Can't just go to a junkyard and pull a new shaft. Explorer 31plines and plentiful. Ranger shafts are shorter than the Ploder shafts....expo rear is 1.5" wider than the ranger. And 31spline Rangers are few and far between.
The only concern I sorta have with the Ranger 31spline....replacement shafts. Can't just go to a junkyard and pull a new shaft. Explorer 31plines and plentiful. Ranger shafts are shorter than the Ploder shafts....expo rear is 1.5" wider than the ranger. And 31spline Rangers are few and far between.
#21
I used a tape measure wrapped around the tube to confirm that I did indeed find an Fx4L2 31spline axle.
The only concern I sorta have with the Ranger 31spline....replacement shafts. Can't just go to a junkyard and pull a new shaft. Explorer 31plines and plentiful. Ranger shafts are shorter than the Ploder shafts....expo rear is 1.5" wider than the ranger. And 31spline Rangers are few and far between.
The only concern I sorta have with the Ranger 31spline....replacement shafts. Can't just go to a junkyard and pull a new shaft. Explorer 31plines and plentiful. Ranger shafts are shorter than the Ploder shafts....expo rear is 1.5" wider than the ranger. And 31spline Rangers are few and far between.
#22
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#23
Best advice I can give you when dealing online....is you must have pics of the wrecked vehicle. And you must have full knowledge to determine IF a truck came with the 31spline from the factory. Be knowledgeable on Fx4('02) and Fx4 Level II(03+) trim packages. You can generally tell by just one picture if it's the truck you are looking for.
Thats only if the dealer of the item is willing to take pic and send them.
Something to remember...Early run '02 models of Fx4 that came equipped with the manual transmission, had a recall on exploding Torsen differentials. Keep that in mind. They did not recall auto trucks.
Good luck.
Thats only if the dealer of the item is willing to take pic and send them.
Something to remember...Early run '02 models of Fx4 that came equipped with the manual transmission, had a recall on exploding Torsen differentials. Keep that in mind. They did not recall auto trucks.
Good luck.