Fx4 axles in 99 ranger

[99ranger74]

I have a 1999 Ford ranger four wheel drive five speed with a 3.0 engine, I found a set of axles from a 04 FX4, I was wondering if these would be an easy swap into my ranger. I put a little bit taller tire on it and I have a small camper I tow and would like to have the 410 gears for pulling and a little light off roading.

 

[sgtsandman]

The axle shafts are bigger. They have 31 splines instead of 28. By the time you swap everything that needs swapped, you would pay as much or more than just getting an already complete axle from a salvage yard.

 

[Dirtman]

I think by set of axles he means the whole front and rear axles not just the gears... at least thats how I interpreted it.

 

[99ranger74]

Yes their compete.

 

[Dirtman]

Swapping the rear is an easy direct swap. Simple unbolt one and bolt in the other. Dunno about the front, pretty sure it should be the same though. I never messed with the IFS ranger differentials.

And unless it was an Fx4 lvl 2 it should still be 28 spline 8.8 not 31 spline.

 

[99ranger74]

Ok thanks for the response. Im hoping the front would be that easy also.

 

[rubydist]

The front one is significantly more complex since you have the ifs and have to remove the output shafts before you can start working on changing the differential section. You will need moderate mechanical skills for that, while the rear axle swap is something almost anyone can do. The parts are heavy though, so you will want to have a buddy and a couple of jacks along with your normal assortment of tools.

 

[99ranger74]

I have the skills for that, but would I reuse my shafts or do the fx4 front ends take something different? I was wondering about the drive shafts and torsion bars also

 

[sgtsandman]

My misunderstanding. Since they are complete axles, they should be a direct swap. We need a Ranger Guru to chime in if there are some specific details, like ABS or speed sensor location that could be an issue. @RonD @19Walt93 @adsm08

 

[Dirtman]

Im pretty sure 98 and up all had a rear diff abs tone ring, the speedo signal just piggy backed off that where applicable but I'm not certain.

 

[adsm08]

My misunderstanding. Since they are complete axles, they should be a direct swap. We need a Ranger Guru to chime in if there are some specific details, like ABS or speed sensor location that could be an issue. @RonD @19Walt93 @adsm08

Bolt in.

Speedo may or may not need corrected for gear ratio change.

 

[99ranger74]

thanks for all the answers, The speedo is already off from the larger tires, I know it's suppose to have rear abs but I don't think they work and I have never seen a light for it either.. , it's $450 for both axles, I feel it's a good buy any opinions?

 

[Dirtman]

450 sounds like a fair price to me if they are both in good shape.

And RABS (rear abs only) never even worked from the factory.

 

[99ranger74]

Thanks again for the replies. I think I'll get them and put them in when it warms up, maybe March. If I change my mind, I should b able to resell them and get my money back.