one piece drive shaft swap

[kmk1605juggalo]

I have an 88 Ford ranger 2.9 L super cab 4x4. The truck has been lifted excessively and is in desperate need of the one piece drive shaft swap. Locally I have not been able to source one. I found one in a salvage yard in Phoenix (about 150 miles away) out of a 2003 ranger, 4x4, extended cab, shot flare side bed that has been rolled a couple of times and I want to make sure this is the right shaft before I drive up to get it. From what Ive read in the tech-section this should be the shaft that I need, correct? As long as the shaft is 47" from weld to weld it should be the part I need right? If I am comprehending everything Ill also need the flange that this bolts to the Transfer Case end to avoid using a specialty u-joint conversion correct? Any input is greatly appreciated... or if you have a one piece shaft you would like to rid yourself of please let me know....

 

[feellnfroggy]

Whatever is in the tech section is prolly the best knowledge youll get. It all came from the same people that are gonna respond today. However if you should come up against any problems repost so we can notate the tech section of variables. Otherwise I think it would prolly be just as easy to have a ds made. They arent that expensive from what I understand.

 

[crusin93]

Not exactly. The flange to transfer case will work fine, as they have not changed. The flange to rear end will have to be changed to one with 2.5 inch bolt spacing if you still have a 7.5" rear. (It's the same flange that is on the front of the 03' shaft.) The part number for the flange in the tech section. It is also stamped on the front flange. The 03' DS is a larger diameter aluminum peice so some trimming is to be expected.

 

[adsm08]

It is pretty much the right shaft. The trans may be an issue though. If you have an FM145, that is 2" shorter than the rest of the ranger trannies, and may cause some issues with your swap.