Drive shaft differences

[DRanger024]

So I need to buy a rear drive shaft for my ‘94 swb that I converted to 4x4. The problem is I’m running the drivetrain and axles from a ‘97. 4.0, M5OD, 1354E and 8.8 rear. All the parts stores list different shafts for ‘89-‘94 and ‘95-‘97. There are two shafts available for the older trucks, a regular 2 joint shaft and a double cardan style. The newer trucks show one shaft and it’s a double cardan but is a different shaft than the double cardan for the older trucks. Do any of you guys know what the difference is between the two?

Thanks,

Rick

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Is it the supercab in your avatar?

Have you measured what you actually need for length?

 

[DRanger024]

No that’s my old truck. The one I’m shopping for is a ‘94 regular cab short bed with the ‘97 drivetrain/driveline in it. I don’t have the trans/t-case in yet.

 

[4x4junkie]

I have no idea what the difference might be myself, if there even is any. 108" WB Rangers from '91-'97 (or maybe even '89-'97) I've always known to be the same, regardless of the engine/trans combo even. Maybe it's something stupid like the slip-spline size is different... but if you get both ends together from the same donor, then no matter.

 

[scotts90ranger]

That is a rare setup, I know, I've been there...

It's a bug in the system most likely caused by the transmissions behind the 2.9L's

The shaft for a M5OD and A4LD should be the same, no matter what engine but regular cab short bed 4x4 is a rare combo... you want the dual cardan joint at the transfer case, I've seen them in junkyards with just single U joints on each end but the angles get tight at anything but stock height I think.

 

[DRanger024]

I’m thinking there’s good reason why you rarely see swb 4.0 trucks with a 5 speed. I’m sure it will be an animal with a 5 speed. The beat up old Mazda I used for a donor seriously hauled the mail for a supercab truck.

I’m going to buy a shaft for a ‘97 truck. Better safe than sorry. Price difference is only $30