Should I buy this rear axel for my 2003 Ranger Edge?

[Blmpkn]

Three words here, "except in snow." And of course, there's no snow ever in southern Maine.

We certainly didn't just get a foot on Sunday lol, and definitely aren't getting any more tonight -__- gah. Cmon april!

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Disc brakes do not really matter, but I would really like limited slip, especially up here in Minnesota where we have a lot of snow and ice. This is my second year with the Ranger. It has never gotten stuck. The oversized Cooper all terrain tires are so much better that what I had on my last pickup.

You made a good point though. By the time I go through all of that effort, weld on mounting tabs, rebuild the differential, put in new seals. etc, I might do just as well to have a shop simply install limited slip or a locker.

This. I would only go through all that if it was for the 3.73 gearing, disc brakes, and the 31 splines.

If you just want traction, slap one in. For winter driving, I would go limited slip though, not full locker.

 

[Roert42]

Idk how all you guys drive who say you've experienced accidental/unintended back-end dancing but damn.. I've never ever gotten any of that except in snow lol. It's a bummer to be honest.

10 year old all seasons in the rain is a pretty good way to get that going.

Hell I've drove FWD cars with that combo that couldn't keep traction.

 

[Josh B]

This. I would only go through all that if it was for the 3.73 gearing, disc brakes, and the 31 splines.

If you just want traction, slap one in. For winter driving, I would go limited slip though, not full locker.

What's the difference in 31 and 28 spline

 

[Roert42]

What's the difference in 31 and 28 spline

Thicker axel shafts, and the number of splines on the end of the shaft that connect to the carrier.

Meaning, the axel tubes are larger, and the bearings are different, ect.

Essentially nothing interchanges between the two size 8.8s except the gears.

 

[Lefty]

Three words here, "except in snow." And of course, there's no snow ever in southern Maine.

And you never heard of a noreaster?

 

[Uncle Gump]

What's the difference in 31 and 28 spline

3 splines..

 

[Lefty]

3 splines..

Thank you Gump. I'm sure this forum appreciates that. Personally I wasn't sure.

 

[Uncle Gump]

31 spline does two things...

Increased axle diameter.
3 extra splines create more contact area with the side gear.

Both of those make it a stronger axle over a 28 spline.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

What's the difference in 31 and 28 spline

A few splines.

31 spline is ever so slightly beefier...but as mentioned, not much. Only people who need to split hairs would care.

 

[Lefty]

31 spline does two things...

Increased axle diameter.
3 extra splines create more contact area with the side gear.

Both of those make it a stronger axle over a 28 spline.

I like the other answer better. This one is not snarky at all.

 

[Josh B]

What I didn't think about was the diameter being larger, now it makes more sense

Add a 1/32 to a 1/4 inch rod and it doesn't seem like a lot
Add a 1/32 to a 1 inch diameter and it starts to add up

 

[Blmpkn]

And you never heard of a noreaster?

You keep that word to yourself mister. There will be no talk of that nonsense around here haha.

 

[Roert42]

We got a couple inches up by my house, but it rained all day at work. By the time I got home most of the snow had been washed away.

Apparently there was about 6 accidents in town. First snow of the year I guess.....

 

[Blmpkn]

We got 6 inches last Friday and a foot on Monday, first real snow all year up here.

We must of got another 6" or so last night but then it rained for a few hours.. 40 degrees out at the moment..now everything is a big soppy mess that's gonna be hard as a rock tomorrow once it's 20 degrees again lol.