I skided into the ditch the other day on black ice and busted the rear wheel off. I have a 99 Ranger 4x4 with I believe a 3.73 limited slip diff. My question is should I just look for a replacement axle or should I replace the entire rear end, and if so since I will be looking for used parts what vehicles used this same rear end? I have been told that if the rear end has taken a hit bad enough to bust an axle than it should be replaced, but maybe rebuilding is an option???? Not sure what to do at this point???
Thanks

 

Brian it may be cheaper to find the whole rear axle in the salvage yard and swap out than rebuild. If there is any damage inside or that shows up latter such as bearing or teeth whining it could get expensive. I just got a quote of 5 hrs labor just to install LS in my Ranger. That is right at $350 labor with me buying the LS unit.

 

I vote too that you replace the whole axle with a used one from a scrapyard. Look around for one out of a '93+ Ranger that:

a) has a 4.0L engine, and/or

b) is a supercab.

This will ensure you get the 8.8"/28 spine version that you need.

Also, because it's a 4x4, it's important that you confirm the gear ratio because you need to swap in an axle with the same ratio.

 

Thanks, I will look for one... I guess a mazda one would work also.... is there any explorer axles that would also bolt right in? Also what about the speed sensor, do all ranger axles from 93 on have that same set up?
Thanks again

 

Just to clarify my earlier post, it's '98+ supercab Rangers that will get you the 8.8" axle.

An Explorer axle swap is doable but not a bolt-in; some welding is required to make it work.

AFAIK, all the compatible-year Ranger axles have the necessary speed sensor located on the pumpkin.

 

Don't ALL the Rangers with 4.0L engines have the 8.8 rear end? I know my '91 did...

 

Could be. But the '93+ axles are 1.5" wider than the earlier years.

 

The only thing really certain is that all 4.0L got the 8.8 rear end. Width did change in '93(?). I've got a '98' Ext Cab with the 3.0 and it still has the 7.5. $300 can get you a low mileage complete rearend to just drop in.
Dave

 

My 03 excab with the 3.0 has the 8.8. It might be because it has the Edge package.