whats the difference, if any, between the rear axle shafts between the b-2 and the ranger???

 

Depends on which axles you are referring to. I believe there are differences between the Ranger and BII 7.5 axles, same with the Ranger and Explorer 8.8 axles - I don't think any BII came with the 8.8 from the factory, though, unless it was a late '90 model. I do know the later '90 models had the Dana 35 front on 4x4 models, some true 35s and some 35 hybrids with Dana 28 guts - at least that is what I have read.

Ford Ranger Axles - The Ranger Station

The Ranger Station - Technical Library

 

looking at possibly getting new axles for an 87 b-2, dana 30s? 4 wheel shop lists several sizes for the ranger but not a one for the b-2

 

If they list axles that fit a 1st Gen ('83-88) or 2nd Gen ('89-92) Ranger, they will more than likely fit a BII and be a bolt-in swap without any or very little fabrication. If you want to keep the TTB up front, I would suggest a Dana 35 TTB and 8.8 out of a '90-'92 Ranger. As far as replacement axle shafts themselves:

"Axle Width Differences:

People have asked about the widths of axle shafts to swap shafts from one axle to another.

The early 1983-1992 Ranger axles are 1" shorter than the 1993-up pieces. (Both sides) meaning that the an entire Ranger axle assembly from 1993-up is 2-inches wider than 1983-1992.

The right side Bronco II axle shaft is 1-5/8" wider than the 1983-1992 Ranger shaft. All of this additional width is in the passenger side. The drivers side shaft is the same length in either axle assembly.

On ALL Ranger/bronco II's the drivers side axle shaft is longer than the passenger side.

There is no difference between 7.5 & 8.8 axle shaft lengths provided you stay in the same year window.

As a note, if you go to a salvage yard, you'll find many left-side shafts removed from 1983-1992 Rangers and Bronco II's. These axle shafts are the same length as the axle shafts in the "Fox" (1979-1993) Mustangs EXCEPT that Ranger/bronco II shafts are five-lug and Mustangs are four lug. Ranger/Bronco II shafts are frequently "pillaged" for use in converting a Mustang to five-lug wheels."

Ford Ranger Axles - The Ranger Station

Upgraded axles (chromoly, etc.) I am unsure of where to get ones specifically for the BII. You may want to try broncograveyard.com or Google it.

 

so it looks like if need be i can use the right side shaft from the same year ranger...

 

I don't think so. The 7.5 rear axle in the Ranger had the pinion moved from center so the driveshaft would clear the side mounted tank. The pinion is very close to center on the BII 7.5 so the axle shafts are different lenths. Or maybe the housing are different widths.

Anyway LMC's catalog lists the same part number for the left rear axle for the early Ranger and BII. But a different part number for the right side shaft: LMC Truck Parts - Pages 120 and 121

 

ok brain fart, i didnt think of lmc for parts....doooh!

 

OOPS, me either. I wasn't thinking of that, I was lost somewhere between your possibly wanting to upgrade your axle or what junk yard parts would swap. Or something.

 

well, thinking possible upgrade, but not with the 2.9, but thats some time down the road. was just looking to replace an axle as its getting a ring where the bearing rides, and the napa repair kit wich relocates the bearing surface didnt work as the oil seal was about .15 thousanths(?) too large, and didnt seal the axle.
course that setup has its own oil seal integrated that cant be picked up seperatly ir even in a different size.