What axle do i have?

[The Dooger]

I have a 94 ranger 4WD and need new ball joint but cant get em since i dunno which axle i have D28 or D35's anyone have any advice?

[brendank69]

It's a 35.

If you still aren't sure, count the bolts holding the pig to the beam. A D35 will have 10 and a D28 has 12.

[The Dooger]

Thanks , i have D35's

[4x4junkie]

There is a small chance you might have a "hybrid" D28/35 axle in your '94 (most probable with the 2.3L engine, but NEVER with the 4.0L). The differences between it and a regular D35 are entirely confined to the differential itself though (and the two shafts that enter into it). Things like balljoints would be actual D35 parts in both cases.

You can I.D. which one you have by checking here (http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4wd_Front_Axles.html)

[JohnnyU]

The best give-away that I have found is the ribbing on the "real" dana 35. As seen here, the hybrid housing is smooth:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/images/dana3528_1.jpg

Whereas the real dana35 has ribs on the outer surface of the center section:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/images/PassDropBracketSpace.JPG