1991 ranger front differential trouble

[Moonshine]

Hello all.
I have no front axle engagement. I cannot turn axles individually so hubs are locking. I can turn front shaft all I want and axles will not turn. no noise. Is this sounding like I have sheared something in the diff?
dana 35 from a 1991 transplanted into a 1989. I have no history on this axle. just installed and found this problem.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yes, that would be something broken internally. If I had to guess, that would be one of the inner shafts broke at the splines for the spider. I would start by pulling the drivers side axle shaft out (take tire and brakes off, then remove the spindle, shaft should pull out now) and see if it's in one piece. It's the easier one to replace since it doesn't have a C clip...

 

[4x4junkie]

Broken spider gears could cause this also (and is likely the case if the axle shafts check out). Broken spiders in the stock diff are not entirely unheard of on this axle.

 

[Moonshine]

perfect...lol

my "spidey" sense was telling me something was amiss.
I will start a tear down tonight. I have an hour and a half travel for work so I will only get a couple hours a night to do this. I will let you all know what I find.
Just bought this front axle and was told it was all good and working. Pretty stupid of me to not check it out while on the floor. I know better but was in a time crunch. lesson re learned.