Hi folks, first time poster and I am very mechanically dumb. Here is what I have. Our basic as it gets standard 4x2 Ford Ranger year 2000 small cab truck dropped it driveshaft a couple years back and has sat due to funding issues. About 180,000 miles, 1 owner.

Before the shaft failure, the vehicle did exhibit wobbling at higher speed for some time (months) so something was up. Here is more detail. I had the oil changed about 40 miles before the incident/shaft failure and one of the young workers said that my transmission needed looked at(?) No idea what he saw.

So, 40 miles later, driving down the highway..KABOOM. Drive shaft hanging. Towed home and it has sat. I eventually went under and slid the shaft fully off the slip/non-regularly bolted end (front end) in so I could push the truck out of the way at times.

Question. Is it a big fix to get a new driveshaft and have it bolted back on? Can it be that simple? Apologies for my lack of understanding the process.I am avoiding towing it town and it being a huge bill that cannot happen. My budget is about $700-$800 right now tops and if it is transmission, it will sit for much longer.

I know this is probably the worst type of question without having someone looking at it for real, just thought I'd throw it out there and see.

Million THANKS!-really have enjoyed reading some of the topics here and would love to be part of the Ranger forum community for years to come!

 

Since you had to slide the forward end of the shaft out to fully remove the drive shaft (to free the vehicle for moving), it's safe to conclude that your driveshaft broke loose at the rear end.

Go back under and look to see if any part of the universal joint is broken. Universal joints do break and let the end of the drive shaft fall.

The joint's flange is bolted to a corresponding flange which you'd correctly think is part of the rear axle.

See if there's a shaft shop near you. They can replace universal joints and balance the shaft (if possible) for a reasonable price. Hope yours isn't bent.

The trouble with junkyard shafts is that vehicles are stacked atop each other and fork lifts are used to shuffle them about so driveshafts, if not removed upon arrival, are damaged.

 

 

Rear section below as it sits today


Here we go. Thank you for the reply ! I am guessing this is not a fixable shaft as the connection points are broken on the shaft piece (below)? I do not see any parts that can be removed..the shaft is one solid piece from that end towards the rear bolted section.

 

You busted a universal. You're OK to fix.
Find a shaft shop or a quality parts store that offers shop services.
For example: A "parts shop" where you can bring heads to be cleaned up sends them out if they don't do such work there.
They'll do the same for a driveshaft. OR send you to a store which has a relationship with a shaft shop.
Who knows, maybe you live near a shaft shop and don't know it.
You want U-joints replaced and a balance. Just say that and they'll think you know what you're talking about.

A big, competent shop in Haledon, NJ (near me) is winding down and sold their equipment.
Now when you go in they hand you a sheet with the names of the 6 shops they sold their various machines to and what each'll do for you.
Where's Montesano?

 

Thank you for the message. Montesano is in WA state waaay out on the west coast, near ocean. Lots of rain for the rusting. Probably find a shop local as they love tearing apart vehicles here. I will take your advice and check it out. I was having a very hard time even finding the correct replacement NEW for my vehicle. None of the stats lined up (4x2 w/6 foot bed, normal cab, manual transmission 2.5L engine)

Million thanks ! Will post results on here when I get it looked into more.