Since lifted97ranger's sticky is no longer there i need help from you guys for level 2 axle codes. I'm trying to find one locally. Doesnt matter what gears i just need a 31spline axle.

Thanks,
Jason

 

why didnt you just ask me h.o i will get it for you



http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html


there you go

 

why do you need 31-spline?

 

I'm guessing to put an aussie in it?
Get an explorer axle with discs. They are sooo much less of a hassle.

 

because he wheels really hard. why wouldn't you want a 31 spine? is the real question

 

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.

 

The 31 spline is a worth while upgrade for wheeling with oversized tires, especially if you through a locker into the mix. The larger axleshafts are worth it.

 

oh, okay. are lockers easier/better with the 31-spline than a 28?

 

There are more options for lockers in that axle for one. But mostly it is stronger due to the bigger axleshafts.

 

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.

 

I always had problems with the rear discs locking up on my ranger. They would always fill up with water and mud. That's why I said "less hassle".

 

brain do you mean drums? and i love my exploder axle with discs best most i have ever done

 

you're discs would lock up on your ranger? How?...thought you had drums.

and there are easy ways to add discs onto ranger rear ends.

 

not really the exploder axle is about the easiest way and the cheapest

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

That's a good and valid point about replacement shafts.

 

I sometimes wish I just went ahead and put the expo in....

 

the explorer axle is nice i love the disc brakes me truck stops a lot faster now

 

Crap.

 

shane thanks for the tip on using the string, im only asking because im using car-parts.com to find what i need. Local yards around here very and very rarely even have a ranger of my body style and when they do, they strip it before they stick it into the yard.

 

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.

 

im not keeping the torsen diff to begin with. . .im going locker front and rear.

 

But thanks for the tips. . .im def going to make sure i know those trim levels etc