31 spline 8.8 identification.

[Dantheman1540]

Found another one and this one is on the way!

 

[Dantheman1540]

Got played again, and this time I actually have the axle In my possession. The truck had code R7, and was clearly sporting FX4 level 2 decals which appeared to be factory. Also, the junk yard had it listed under “fx4 level2 locking”. Should I be pissed that I was sold something that isn’t a true level 2 axle? Or did I miss something and I’m the fool?

I have a 60Day warranty so the invoice says.

 

[Curious Hound]

Did you count splines on an axle shaft? Many of the original Thorsen LS diffs got replaced in the recall. Many were replaced with open carriers. Maybe that one got replaced with what you have? Disappointing to not have the Thorsen. But if you have the 31 spline shafts and got an LS carrier anyway, I’d call that “pretty good”.

 

[Dantheman1540]

Did you count splines on an axle shaft? Many of the original Thorsen LS diffs got replaced in the recall. Many were replaced with open carriers. Maybe that one got replaced with what you have? Disappointing to not have the Thorsen. But if you have the 31 spline shafts and got an LS carrier anyway, I’d call that “pretty good”.

Didn’t think of that I remember reading where one or two years had a recall, but this is an 05 build listed as an 06 truck. Pretty sure it was 02-03 that had the recall, I will say it’s the cleanest diff fluid I’ve ever seen come out of a used axle. I’ll pull the shafts in the morning. It wouldn’t be too bad, but I’ll be pissed if it’s 28 spline like I think it is. The taper looks a little too severe.

 

[Curious Hound]

I thought those 2 years (02&03) were the only years that Rangers had 31 spline 8.8’s.
Maybe I need to go back and review that.

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you've got the cover off but haven't pulled the shafts yet, can't you quickly identify 28 vs. 31-spline by measuring the width of the crosspin? IIRC they should be 3/4" vs. 7/8", respectively.

 

[Dantheman1540]

I thought those 2 years (02&03) were the only years that Rangers had 31 spline 8.8’s.
Maybe I need to go back and review that.

After 03 they have to be FX4 level2 to have 31splines is how I understand it

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you've got the cover off but haven't pulled the shafts yet, can't you quickly identify 28 vs. 31-spline by measuring the width of the crosspin? IIRC they should be 3/4" vs. 7/8", respectively.

It’s currently at my house not at my shop, I have basic ratchet set but no micrometer and a tape measure on something round is hard to distinguish 1/8”differences.
I did however measure the circumference of both the new axle and the one in the truck and got 9.5” for both which makes it pretty obviously not a 31spline

 

[Curious Hound]

After 03 they have to be FX4 level2 to have 31splines is how I understand it

Yes. I just reread the tech article. I was mixed up on that.

Here is the tube diameter info

Axle Tube Diameters:

• The 1990-2009 Ford Ranger 28-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 2.80 inches in diameter.
• The 2010-2011 Ford Ranger 28-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 3.25 inches in diameter.
• The Ford Ranger 31-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 3.25 inches in diameter.
• The Ford Explorer 31-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 3.25 inches in diameter.
• The Ford F-150 / Bronco 31-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 3.25 inches in diameter.
• The Ford Mustang 8.8-Inch Axle tube is 2.80 inches in diameter.

 

[Dantheman1540]

Yes. I just reread the tech article. I was mixed up on that.

Here is the tube diameter info

Axle Tube Diameters:

• The 1990-2009 Ford Ranger 28-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 2.80 inches in diameter.
• The 2010-2011 Ford Ranger 28-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 3.25 inches in diameter.
• The Ford Ranger 31-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 3.25 inches in diameter.
• The Ford Explorer 31-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 3.25 inches in diameter.
• The Ford F-150 / Bronco 31-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 3.25 inches in diameter.
• The Ford Mustang 8.8-Inch Axle tube is 2.80 inches in diameter.

I’m getting up early and heading straight to my shop to measure tubes and Cross pin. If a truck clearly said level2 and the yard listed it as a “level2” axle I have reason to be salty right?

 

[Curious Hound]

I’m getting up early and heading straight to my shop to measure tubes and Cross pin. If a truck clearly said level2 and the yard listed it as a “level2” axle I have reason to be salty right?

The circumference you reported doesn't line up well with either axle diameter, mathematically.

2.80" diameter = 8.8" circumference
3.25" diameter = 10.2" circumference

You did get a limited slip axle. They didn't come with lockers, just limited slip.

So, verify pin diameter. Personally, I would pull a shaft and count the splines. It's not hard to remove a shaft.

If they sent you an axle with 28spline shafts, then they made a mistake and you have reason to return it. I wouldn't "get salty" unless they refuse to own up to the mistake and make it right. But, that's just me.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Aren't the 28 spline axles stepped in the tube (between the pumpkin and the leaf spring pad) where the 31 spline are straight tube?

 

[Dantheman1540]

Axle tubes neck down twice, cross pin is 3/4”, and the splines are 28 .

junk yard wants the axle back and I have to pay shipping which will be $200-$300 so I think I’ll keep it for now. It gets me into 4.10s and something other than an open carrier, the brakes look almost new, and in general the axle looks to be extremely low mile.

Ill just keep looking for my unicorn but only consider things in driving distance and look at them before buying, can’t trust anyone.

 

[Blmpkn]

Axle tubes neck down twice, cross pin is 3/4”, and the splines are 28 .

junk yard wants the axle back and I have to pay shipping which will be $200-$300 so I think I’ll keep it for now. It gets me into 4.10s and something other than an open carrier, the brakes look almost new, and in general the axle looks to be extremely low mile.

Ill just keep looking for my unicorn but only consider things in driving distance and look at them before buying, can’t trust anyone.

Seems like the yard needs to pay for your return shipping, else you'll be forced to open a stop payment dispute with your credit card company.

 

[Curious Hound]

I’d probably keep it like you said. It’s still a good axle. But I’d find a place on their website or Facebook page or whatever to leave negative feedback. You got a bad deal.

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

That sucks. Especially assuming that at this point you're clear with yards about exactly what you're looking for, I would also not pay return freight. "Buyer pays return shipping" is the rule of thumb for voluntary returns, not situations where the seller's sent you the wrong thing.

Whether I would keep the nice 28-spline depends on how much I paid thinking it was the Level-2 axle.