Bent axle shaft... Options?

[Koshunae]

So I just finished working on my 2000 Ranger, swapped my code 86 rear to an R7 out of a 2004 Fx4 Level II. The 2004 was sideswiped and the owner was parting it out. Sucks to see a nice truck go out but what can you do?
Anyways, I finished putting it in and hooking all my brake lines up and such and took it for a test drive and long story short, the driver side axle shaft is bent. It looked like my wheel was falling off and I had a horrid vibration around 60-65 mph.

Now, as far as I'm aware, the Fx4 L2's came with 31 spline axle shafts, which is great! However I'm not sure on the aspect of replacing these. Could I just find an explorer and rob a shaft out of that or do I need to somehow track down another Fx4 L2 to get the axle shaft? I've heard conflicting opinions and seen some confusing information. I just need some concrete information as this is my daily driver and I would like to get it back on the road ASAP.

 

[bobbywalter]

Buy a new shaft after checking the housing and confirming it is not bent too bad . New bearing as well.

 

[bobbywalter]

186 bux at rock auto

 

[Dirtman]

+1 on checking the tube. A hit that could bend a shaft could very easily bend a tube.

 

[Koshunae]

Ive been through the bent axle shaft fiasco before on a tacoma. Usually the shaft will bend long before the tube but I will double check just to be sure. Everything lined up really well on the install. The locator pins fell right into place on the springs so hopefully there isnt anything out of place. But I did just order a new shaft, bearing and seal from rock auto so hopefully I can get this remedied.