Noob needs help
 

Hey all,

Just joined today and have been looking around. Looks like a great place. I'm still looking through different threads and exploring the site. I apologize in advance if this thread is in the wrong place.

I bought a 98 Ranger 2WD, MT at what I thought was a great price (now I know if something sounds too good to be true it probably isn't) at $700.00 from a private seller.

The seller told me that the rear brakes need to be replaced ASAP and not to drive too far with them on because they are leaking brake fluid and are in real bad shape. The hub (I think that is what it is called) is stuck onto the wheel and would not come off. I took the truck to nearest automotive shop (PEP Boys)that I could find because I really do not know what I am doing when it comes to cars.

They couldn't get the tire/wheel off because it was stuck on there. They finally heated it up and got it off. They say that I need to replace the whole rear brake assembly on both sides- basically everything. They are also saying that I need to replace the rear axle.

The price for the complete rear brake system that they are quoting me is 1k. They don't have a quote for the rear axle yet. They did say that labor for the rear axle alone is about $450.00.

I left the shop and told them to call me once they find out prices. In the meantime, I have been worried sick trying to see what my options are. I've been looking at used rear axles online and from the pics I see it seems that the rear axles already come complete from 'drum to drum' Am I wrong in assuming that's all I would need? Could I just buy a used rear axle and have them install it and forego all the extra crap that they want to do to the rear brakes/installing new parts? The prices I have seen range from 300-800 on the net for a drum to drum rear axle.

Can someone please offer me some advice. I apologize also for the long post.

Cliffs:
bought a cheap 98 ranger.
turns out the rear brakes and axle are screwed up and needs to be replaced.
PEP boys is hosing me IMHO.
Need options, opinions, help.

Thanks in advance to all.

fwiw, today i picked up my ranger from the ford dealer after having new drums, shoes, and wheel cylinders installed...the grand total for all of that was i think like $650 (i need to check my receipt), so im not sure what the hell else they are doing to bring it to $1k for just the brakes. although they did waive the $119 for the brake fluid flush.

You can pull one from a junk yard for a decent price. If you want it to be completely bolt in then get it from another Ranger. First though I would find out what axle and gears you have. If you have a 7.5 you can upgrade to an 8.8. If you want to keep cost down you can stick with a 7.5 if you plan to just drive it.

You can do that for sure. What engine size is in your ranger? Any axel from a ranger will bolt right up to your truck.

Just some food for thought... most shops won't install parts you bring in.... as far as my experience goes, if it's anything more than mom and pop they won't install something you bring especially if it's used and especially if it's something they could buy...

It's a 4 banger, I believe it's the 2.5.

Then you have a 7.5 rear axel. You can pick one up for super cheap. Some people even give them away.

But Marie is right, you are going to be hard pressed to have them install it.

Does anybody have any good places where I can pick one up? Links to the exact setup I need are much appreciated. Thanks to everyone so far for their advice.

119 dollars WAVED?!?!?!?! for a brake flush hey everyone save money and ill come to you brake flushes 90 bucks call fordguy LOL

Update:

I found a local shop that will find and install a used rear end for about $400-$500 including parts. I went to Pep Boys and payed them for their time ($60) for the diagnostic and got the truck towed to the new place.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The new guy seems legit and reasonable. The rear axle is coming from an 02 Ranger.