Fx4 lvl2 in need of axle

[RegularGuy]

I'm having the truck looked at by an axle shop, anticipating a $600-1000 quote depending on what's required for repair. I'm coming up short on additional options. Despite seemingly a fair price, I would think it'd be cheaper to install a whole assembly.... If only I could find one!

Any ideas where I can buy one? Everything in my area is across the border, remanufactured costs a bunch more (although comes with free shipping).

Recomendations?

 

[Uncle Gump]

What is the matter with your rear axle?

Swapping is always an option if you can find the equivalent... but what you really have is a used rear axle with unknown miles/abuse.

 

[sgtsandman]

If you find another axle, are you doing the work or paying a shop to do it? If a shop, you will probably be in the same boat cost wise as working with what you have.

Plus, there is the unknown condition of the used axle as previously mentioned.

 

[Dirtman]

An fx4 lvl 2 axle is the most sought after and rarest of anything put in the rangers. They are always first to be plucked from the junkyard. Add to that you also have to make sure you find one with a gear ratio to match your front. Depending on what exactly is wrong with your current axle, it's probably easier in the long run to just fix it.

Plus like sarge mentioned, if your paying a shop to do it you're gonna get screwed either way. Changing the whole rear axle is easier in terms of required skill, there's not really anything technical about it but its alot of dirty heavy physical work. Where as something like replacing the ring and pinion gears requires more skill and special tools, its not very hard work.

 

[Manzanita]

I'm in the same boat. I have the stock 31 spline fx4 axles and I've been looking for a replacement axle shaft for a week. No luck. I had a broken bearing and an axle got scored pretty bad. Ford doesn't make them anymore, it's worse than looking for a needle in a haystack. I'm considering junking the truck, as it's been stuck at the shop for a week and no solution has presented itself. Anybody have any ideas?

 

[racsan]

nothing says you have to use the same exact axle that came under the truck, sure the one you had is sought after but if youre just commuting and occasionally towing/hauling, throw a 8.8 or even a 7.5 under it with the same gearing as the front. Average used axle in my area is 200/250 $. I sure wouldnt junk a truck over a rear axle issue.

 

[Dirtman]

 

[Roert42]

I would rather have a 28 spline 8.8 rear for 31 spline explorer rear, then the 31 spline FX2 axle. for parts availability alone.

 

[Dirtman]

Technically there's no shortage of parts available for the 31 spline ranger axle if you're buying new stuff, there's only a shortage of used assemblies in the junkyard.

 

[Rimjam]

Technically there's no shortage of parts available for the 31 spline ranger axle if you're buying new stuff, there's only a shortage of used assemblies in the junkyard.

I needed a left axle shaft for my Level II 31 spline Torsen equipped rear diff. Posted a "want to buy" ad here on TRS - no response. Got a hint from pjtoledo to check RockAuto.com, bought one for slightly over $200.

FYI: There's apparently no interchange for that axle. Even bought a complete Explorer rear axle assy hoping I could have its left axle machined to fit the Torsen - shaft can be made to same length but Explorer splines bottom out on axle gear. Need about 1/4" more spline area (close but no cigar).