Hello I just got a 2003 2wd ranger extended cab, tried to change the u-bolts but wound up ruining the thing that slips into the AT at the front of the shaft. What is this part called and where can I buy it? I have been searching for hours with no luck. It seems too common to be dealer-only. Thanks
Edit: It looks similar to this => https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.ne...6QsgXgkaE.huge

 

I think it's called the "slip yoke", and the bit in the middle that's holding it all together to the drive shaft is the UV joint (universal joint).
Auto wrecker would be the best choice.

 

I think you mean u-joints, and yes it's a slip yoke, and like Jeff said, a wrecking yard is as good as place as any, you can probably get the whole driveshaft for less than the slip yoke from ford.

 

Thanks for the replies. It is indeed the slip yoke. What threw me off is that there is also a balance disk slipped over it which I do not see in most pictures.

 

You dont need that balance thing. Ford randomly decided to put it on some trucks and not others. It makes no difference.