Front driveshaft compatibility

[Teddyfrank123]

New on here, got a question I’m having trouble finding an answer for. Looking to get a front driveshaft for an 03 extra cab 4.0 manual ranger from a local junkyard for my brother for his birthday. He blew his up and hasn’t had 4wd for more than a couple months now. How interchangeable are the driveshafts on these? I understand 98-11 should be the same, but I imagine auto and manuals have different lengths. And will it change with engine options?

Right now there’s a 98 extra cab 3.0 5 speed at the junkyard closest to me, but I could have one shipped in from a 99 4.0 5 speed with only 80k miles. Unfortunately he no longer has the old driveshaft to measure, and I do not trust the yahoos at the junkyard to give me solid information.

Thanks in advance to all y’all who respond!

 

[Josh B]

If you are doing searches you might get a few more results using Super Cab
Sorry, I am not able to answer your specific question, but this isn't the best time of day to get one, don't give up

 

[Teddyfrank123]

Well there’s about 2 pages worth of driveshafts I could pull from automatic rangers with various different engine options, major front end damage, or really high miles. But given my experience with Isuzus and Suzuki I would expect driveshafts to be different between autos and manuals. I don’t want something with major front end damage just in case the driveshaft got busted (this yard will sell you busted parts, it’s basically “your responsibility to make sure the product is satisfactory”). And I don’t want to buy something that already has 200k+ on it

 

[Josh B]

Does your yard guarantee the parts? The one I go to, but haven't been to recently, has a, I believe, a one year warranty. If I am mistaken about the year I'm certain it was at least 90 days

I looked around on their website a couple days ago and they've changed somewhat. They sell a warranty for each part, I suppose at a percentage of the sale price. I didn't read any of the warranty

 

[Teddyfrank123]

30 days unless you buy a extended warranty (can only get those on motor, trans, tcase). But the return process is a pain in the ass and I don’t want to install a driveshaft twice

 

[sgtsandman]

You may have to do like I had to do for the rear driveshaft for my 1998. The only way I was able to get the right driveshaft was to bring the original with me and directly compare it to what the yard had. Of the 5 they had only one was the right length.

 

[Teddyfrank123]

Don’t think he has the original anymore, can double check though

 

[scotts90ranger]

Supposedly the rears are all the same so the front should be too after '98. If I knew if the V8 Explorer front shafts were the same length I'd just give you one if it's still good... depending on where in Oregon you are anyway...

 

[Shran]

I'm 98% sure that '98 up had the same front driveshaft. 88-97 is the same way... I was so glad they got away from that nonsense in the 80's where every truck could have different parts in it.

 

[Teddyfrank123]

Thank you all! I did find the old driveshaft, but it’s so f**ked up I can’t really get any measurements off it. I’ll be getting that driveshaft from the 99 with 80k on it, y’all are awesome!

 

[don4331]

You still probably want to replace the u-joint (and paint it) so it looks worthy of b'day present.

 

[Teddyfrank123]

Will definitely replace the u joint, any suggestions on brand, or just whatever from Napa?
Paint don’t matter, he doesn’t care (if you saw the truck you’d see why). I’m installing it for him too, he’s just happy that he’ll have 4wd back

 

[Shran]

Spicer is by FAR the best u-joint brand out there. DANA 5153X is the one you want I believe. Parts store ones are all about the same, mediocre quality.

 

[Teddyfrank123]

$24 and in stock at orielly, I can pick it up anytime Thanks to everyone on here for your knowledge and helpfulness