Why didn't Ford use the Spicer 28-IFS axle with the 4.0L engine? I have a '97 B4000 with the Spicer 28 axle. The previous owner remembers having major warrenty work done on the 4-wheel drive but does not remember the details. Do I have a reason to be concerned? Should I be looking for a Spicer 35-IFS axle to swap back?
Dave

 

Ford didn't use the Dana 28 with the 4.0 because it wasn't strong enough. Around 1990 they ditched the D28 altogether and all trucks came with the D35.

So how exactly did a Dana 28 end up in your truck?

 

Thanks for the quick response. The short answer to your question is "I don't know and can only guess". The previous owner said that he had 4x4 problems around 40k and the dealership screwed around for quite a while before putting in a new axle to satisfy his warrenty. The dealership has since changed hands and all of this happened 8 to 10 years ago so.... The truck now has 200k on it and I still wouldn't know about the axle if I hadn't decided to repack the fronts before another winter in NM, AZ, CA (summers are in WI). By the way, when you say that the D28 wasn't strong enoungh, I assume that you mean when off-roading. Looks like I'll be hunting for a 35 with the right ratio.
Dave

 

I have a 28, and I'm dreading getting my transfer case in just for that reason.

The only plus it it's locked, but behind my 302, it isn't gonna last long.

The swap is simple, I know at my local yard theres 35's everywhere.