Hybrid Front Axle

[Tulsa Time]

I have a 1993 Ranger, 3.0, Auto, 4x4. I did a lot of digging in the tech library and discovered it has the hybrid front axle. I have several questions about this axle. Since the tech library has been reformatted, I haven’t been able to locate some of the info I had previously found.
My understanding is the hybrid has D35 beams, and a hybrid specific center section which attaches to the D35 beams but houses a D28 carrier. I do not know what inner axles this unit uses.
In order to upgrade to a true D35, do I only need a center section? Do I need inner axles also? I assume the outer and right intermediate axles are the same for the hybrid and the D35.
To further my confusion, I was looking at O’Reilly’s web site for ball joints. I noticed separate part numbers for D35 and D28. I had 1993 Ranger entered as my vehicle. In 1993 the only options were D35 or hybrid (which could probably be referred to as a D28). If the hybrid uses D35 beams, why would the ball joints be different? Am I misinformed or is O’Reilly’s web site?
I have more questions but this post is already long winded enough.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

It uses D28 guts in a special D35 housing and the inner axles have the small splines to fit the D28.

You would need a true D35 center section and inner shafts to convert it.

The actual D28 ended in 89, so anything newer than that will use D35 balljoints and U joints.

 

[Tulsa Time]

Thanks for the response. That is what I had suspected. It's nice to have confirmation before I dig in.

 

[trail B2]

The hybrid is quite a bit better that a D28 because the weak axles and joints are upgraded.I replaced my 28 for one because in my instance it was a lot cheaper, already had a 28 lock right needed 4:11 gears.So IMHO if this thing wasn't giving me any problems I wouldn't rip it out just because but if I ever changed the gears or put in a locker I would upgrade.

To change you will unbolt the pig with the axles pulled bolt in the new one.Besides the pig you need the last section of axle that slides in the pig.

 

[4x4junkie]

Am I misinformed or is O’Reilly’s web site?

It's not just O'Reilly's... Pretty much all of them.
This crap has persisted since the 1990 model year. Funny thing is, it doesn't apply whatsoever except to 1990 models. It was simply a mid-year switch to the D35 axle.
The hybrid D28/35 stuff came forth in '93, but that only changed the diff chunk and it's internals. Yet they continue to ask for things such as your gear ratio so they can give you wrong rotors, balljoints, bearings... You name it if it's outside the diff

 

[Tulsa Time]

Thanks for the input. My immediate plans are to replace all the Ball joints, U-joints (front drive shaft and axle shafts), and probably add a set of Mile Marker hubs. I was considering upgrading the diff while I’m that deep in to it.
My eventual plans are to mod the suspension (moderately) and run bigger tires with the appropriate ratio. Trail B2 made a lot of since. After reading his thoughts, I may wait on the D35. After all, I still have a 7.5” rear axle.