FX4 Level II axle, bent shaft flange

[Masteratarms93]

Hey all I'm a regular on R/F but I figured you guys were more suited for this.

I have a FX4 Level II axle in my Ranger and I discovered a few months ago that the passenger side axle flange is bent courtesy of the previous owner. It causes that wheel to have a good 1 inch back and forth motion while I drive. As you would imagine it causes some vibration and it makes the truck look like a wobbly hoopty.

So I am having an EXTREMELY hard time trying to find a replacement shaft since, well you know, a 31-spline Ranger axle shaft is not exactly the norm. So is there any other options?

I have been told that the Expo 31-spline is like 3/4 inch to long to use as a replacement. Is 3/4 really that big of a difference? Can I shave it down and make it fit?

And could I possibly rig up a wheel spacer that is shaped to fill in the bent flange and counter act the bent flange. At least temporarily. I was even thinking of putting washers in between the drum and the flange to kinda of even out the rotation of the wheel.

Thoughts? Spare FX4 Level II axle shaft you want to gift me? Thanks!

 

[adsm08]

A wheel spacer will not solve your root problem. It might help, but you will still have issues.

Shaving the shaft down won't work either. The groove that the C-clip slides into is less than 3/4 of an inch from the end of the shaft, and the groove is what sets the depth. To get it shortened from the other side will probably set you back more than just a new shaft.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Unfortunately, unless you find one from a wrecking yard, going to the dealership is probably your only option.

For the price of the new shaft from Ford you could probably swap an entire explorer 31 spline rear end under there or a 28 spline ranger 8.8

 

[Ranger44]

I'm thinking the shafts are just not the same at all. The Ranger 31 spline shaft is different, and only an Fx4 level 2 31 spline shaft will work.

Sorry to say, but a lucky score at a jyard, or the FoMoCo dealer is your only options.

 

[Snoranger]

Newfordparts.com lists the 03 FX4 right side axle shaft at $222.

 

[wakingtowinter]

Tousley Ford Parts lists a right side ranger axle shaft, 31 spline for $183.91

 

[Masteratarms93]

Ouch. I was hoping to keep it under $100. That's normal 28-spline shaft price.

Alrighty well thanks guys. I will keep looking and in the mean time maybe try the cheapo trick of evening it out some with washers. Just so it doesn't look so bad when I drive.

 

[Masteratarms93]

Tousley Ford Parts lists a right side ranger axle shaft, 31 spline for $183.91

Tasca parts has that price as well

 

[06RangerXLT]

you could try kijiji or craigslist. ive found some pretty sweet deals there

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

in the mean time maybe try the cheapo trick of evening it out some with washers. Just so it doesn't look so bad when I drive.

NO!

 

[84stealthranger]

is it possible to bend back with heat?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I have heard of the axle shaft being removed from the housing, being chucked up in a lathe and having it machined true again.

 

[bobbywalter]

he he he he...


you have got to be bullshitting me.


bent flange is recipe for catastrophic failure. get a new shaft.

randys couldnt help you?

 

[gwaii]

I have heard of the axle shaft being removed from the housing, being chucked up in a lathe and having it machined true again.

not a good idea...the bent axle probably has stress fractures.it will be truer when machined,but still a risk for failure.also,if it's bent as bad as the op says,the flange will be thinned down pretty bad on one side.

 

[bobbywalter]

i was not referring to anyone but the original poster.


its almost troll like in nature. but the idea of the washers for appearances sake is off the reservation.

i have busted too many straight shafts to want to risk running a bent flange more then 5-6 k.