Help finding correct U-Joints on 88 Ranger 4WD

[4x4junkie]

Last question!!! Is it absolutely mandatory to remove the crossmember on the 1988’s as well? Thing feels structural to me, but perhaps not. Just want to be certain before i go chopping this truck up even more. Lol

Unless you have a suspension lift, the driveshaft should clear the crossmember fine (you will still need to remove the carrier bearing bracket pedestal from the member itself though). The truck you pulled your one-piece shaft from likely had this crossmember as well (just with nothing attached to it)
It is mildly structural (possibly offering a small bit of support against the frame 'diamonding" in a collision), but the truck isn't otherwise going to fold up in half or come apart if it is missing.

 

[Kegworth]

Unless you have a suspension lift, the driveshaft should clear the crossmember fine (you will still need to remove the carrier bearing bracket pedestal from the member itself though). The truck you pulled your one-piece shaft from likely had this crossmember as well (just with nothing attached to it)
It is mildly structural (possibly offering a small bit of support against the frame 'diamonding" in a collision), but the truck isn't otherwise going to fold up in half or come apart if it is missing.

lol wow i wish you told me this yesterday. Could get a couple hours of awkward and painful positions back. Oh well, he gone now. And yes i do have suspension lift, so probably better safe than sorry.