2010 Ford Ranger 2wd, rear axle code 95, what bearing rebuild kit fits?

[salt_monger]

Hi there.

2010 Ranger ext cab, 4.0L auto 2wd with axle code 95 (3.55 ratio open diff).

I'm in Canada, and while Rockauto is awesome to order from its a pain to do returns so I'm trying my best to ensure I order the right part the first time.

Rockauto has a pile of options available for 'master kits' listed for 2010 to rebuild the diff. Clearly some arent applicable as they say they are for either a) the front diff or b) they seem to be for a 7.5" ring gear.

Local facebook marketplace has a unopened Timken DRK311MK kit for $100, but checking that part number says its only good to 2006 ranger diffs. Anyone know what changed in 2007?

So i have two questions:

1) Which of the 'master kits' listed at Rockauto are correct for my 2010 Ranger 8.8 Open rear Diff
2) Does anyone know if the Timken DRK311MK kit will work for my 2010 ranger 8.8 open rear diff?

 

[pjtoledo]

your 2010 rear axle is unlike any 2009 or older models.
it's an 8.8 without the differential tone ring and the axle shafts are unique. they are 28 splines but the big 1.6" wheel bearings & seals. they are also shorter and have tone rings pressed onto them.

I would use your VIN at a Ford site to get pats numbers then cross reference and purchase at your choosing.

 

[salt_monger]

First, thanks for the reply @pjtoledo !

Ahh I see. Further reading says that 2010-2011 is different for a number of reasons. Disc brakes, thicker axles (but still 28 spline), and it seems the bearings on the pinion are different sizes in 2010/2011 - specifically the inside/inner pinion bearing/race.

Yay for being unique.

Whats interesting is that SKF, timken, and others list their differential master kits as being 1990-2006 for 8.8" rears and then 2007-2011 for 8.8" rears. The master kits I;ve seen dont include outer axle bearings and seals. I assume the applicable 'center section' changes happened in 2007 (?).

 

[RangerXLT]

The difference in the complete kits is the axle bearings, I do not think any of the other bearings are unique provided you use the races that come with the bearings (OE were Timken or KOYO and you cannot interchange the manufactures bearings and races)

Ford says their kit fits all 8.8s with only a couple of exceptions none of which are Rangers. (it'll be Koyo bearings)

See:

8.8" RING GEAR AND PINION INSTALLATION KIT

8.8" RING GEAR AND PINION INSTALLATION KIT|Ford Performance Parts

performanceparts.ford.com

Ford 8.8-Inch Rear Axle History & Specs - The Ranger Station

Ford 8.8-Inch Rear Axle History & Specs, identification tips, axle codes, spline counts, dimensions, and Ford Ranger & Explorer applications.

www.therangerstation.com

2010 Ford Ranger 8.8-Inch Axle vs 2004 8.8-Inch Axle - The Ranger Station

2010 Ford Ranger 8.8-Inch Axle vs 2004 8.8-Inch Axle - This page shows you the differences between these two axles.

www.therangerstation.com

I do not care for Ford Racings shim kit, but if you're only replacing bearings you wont need it anyway, If you do need it seek out one of the ones with the shoulders on one of the thick spacers.

When i was shopping i found Rock Auto to be one of the more expensive sources, which is very rare, but LMR and Summit had best prices if they will ship to the great white north.

OH and Summit does not list the Timken kit as fitting a 2010 Ranger, again, probably only due to the axle bearings and Crown Vics have the small bearings.

Timken DRK311MK

Free Shipping - Timken DRK311MK with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Ring and Pinion Gear Installation Kits at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[salt_monger]

Interesting that checking fords parts catalog for the bearings needed for the pinion in a 2010-2011 the pictures for the bearings are Timken labelled, not koyo.

The SKF SDK311GMK and Timken DRK311GMK master kits are both correct for the 2010-2011 rangers. Note the additional 'G'.

And cross border shipping is a pain with most companies other than rockauto. Its been a few years since I ordered from LMR or Summit, but both used to be a pain. Rockauto integrates the shipping and tracking here pretty nicely.