Arggg! This sucks as a second post

[adsm08]

Well I bought it a few years ago for my BII, but then about two months ago I came across a 31-spline unit. Now I just want the 28-spline in the garage out of the way.

 

[Captain Ledd]

I have the Explorer 8.8 in my '97, which is even wider still. It won't be noticeable.

 

[meh77gmc]

Well, the deed is done. I got the '98 rear installed with only minor hiccups. For me, the biggest pain was the parking brake cables. But, she is in there now and waiting until morning for the RTV to set up. I will add the gear oil and test her out then.
As a side note, the newer axle turned out to be the exact same width as the '96 it was replacing (in spite of the chart in the tech articles), but I could not use my old drums with the newer axle. The center hole in the old 10" drums is 2.5", but the newer axle require a 2.75" center hole, in order to fit. That is the only difference I could find in these two axles (other than the new one having limiteDr slip).
After getting the old one out and looking at it closer, I can see why it ate itself up. Where it should have .007-.015" backlash, it has over a full 1/8". Plus, the ring gear has a lot of lateral wobble to it when spinning it by the wheel studs. Maybe bad bearings in the carrier caused that? I don't know, but I know the new one is a lot tighter and smoother. Here's to hoping, and I gotta say thanks for y'alls help.

Mike

 

[GodAmRanger]

Not to change "gears" too fast, but... (sorry, it's early)..


What kind of noise/sensation was it? I got my truck back in October, and have literally been going through it, almost weekly, and replacing stuff that's bad.. I bought one of the worst lemons, ever, and now I think I'm almost done, with the exception of a vibration/whir/rumble/howl that I can't tell if it's the transfer case or rear axle.. I don't get much play in the pinion flange or the axle bearings, but the last 2 techs I had take my truck for a ride heard and felt the vibration/noise, but said it would take them a day or 2 to sort it out, and I can't afford to drop the truck off with them since I commute 150+ miles a day..


Also, the other 3" Ranger axle was from the FX4's, as they had the 3.25" axle tubes.. I've found a few of them locally which I want to get to upgrade to anyway, but didn't want to drop a few hundred $$$'s yet if it won't solve my other issue first..

Also, how'd the test work out?? You haven't posted in a couple days, so I'm guessing it went well!!