Just wanted to double check to see if someone can confirm that this looks like a Dana 35? Also has 10 bolts on the front diff. Trying to order a new cv axle
thanks

 

Welcome to the forum

1994 Ranger 2.3l 4x4, should always include this

Yes, 10 bolt cover would be Dana 35 but could be a Hybrid, so Dana 28 axles

Have a look at the front differential housing, pretty easy to tell, look here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...na_28_35.shtml

And just for clarification, 1998 and up Rangers used CV front axles(Dana 35 SLA), 1997 and older used U-Joints on front axle

 

Awesome thanks. The shop told me that my right front axle and U joint is rusty red and they recommend replacing it. Would that just be the axle shaft?

 

Should be able to pull the axle out and remove u-joint, then sand blast or ?? the axles to clean them up, then paint, install new u-joint
It would just be surface rust on the axle itself
Front axles can be expensive to replace on these years

 

just talked to the shop and they said just u joint. Also, the other day I got stuck in the sand and my front tires weren’t spinning at all in 4wd or 4 low. Could the bad u joint cause my 4wd not to engage?

 

Not unless the u-joint was completely broken, which it's not from description

Do you have manual or automatic from hubs?

All 4x4s come stock with an OPEN front differential
That means the easiest wheel/axle to turn gets ALL the power from the transfer case/driveshaft
If one of the front hubs was not LOCKED then that axle would get ALL the power, so no 4WD

 

Manual locking hubs, one of them clicked into place and one of them didn’t. It turned all the way but didn’t click into place. That would explain it.
could my hub need to be cleaned, or probably a new hub?

thanks for the replies all have been super helpful

 

Yes, that was the reason

Could just need to be cleaned out, really have to dissemble to see why it didn't lock, manual hub parts are still available for most models

 

Took the hubs off and made sure they locked, they did and the axle turned. Re assembled and put it in 4wd and it works. Gonna drive in 4wd for a while to make sure it continues to work. Appreciate the replies been a huge help

 

Good work

Just a heads up
Manual or Auto hubs should NOT be greased, use motor oil or ATF, very light coat, grease will cause them to get sticky and not engage
Wheel bearings need grease

Shifting the electric transfer case from 2WD to 4H and then 4L, and then back to 2WD once a month will help keep the shift motor and 4WD system working, don't have to drive it in 4WD, just shift it sitting in the driveway
This keeps the electric motors brushes clean and the lube inside the gear drive spread out
What kills the shift motors is DISUSE, not over use

 

Completely out of topic but you guys seem more familiar with diffs would a 94 ranger diff fit my 09 ranger?

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, 1993 to 2009 rear axles are the same size, all used drum brakes, but 9" or 10" drums so make sure you get the drums with the used axle or make sure it used the same size as yours so you can use your drums
2010/11 Rangers had Rear Disc brakes

Rear axles have Ratios, you want to match your current ratio for best result, if its a 4x4 then you HAVE TO MATCH ratio

 

Yeah mines a 2wd auto I got it from a 4x4 I’m swapping cause I don’t even know what my diff is I know it’s open diff cause I’ve gotten stuck so many times already due to one wheel spinning an the other sitting flat on the ground not moving the one I’m putting in is an 8.8 3.73 limited slip my current axel is also 8.8

 

Sounds good, be sure to use the additive for the Limited Slip when refilling the differential