Help finding correct U-Joints on 88 Ranger 4WD

[Kegworth]

Or am i truly better off going 98-00? All the ones i found are v rusted.

 

[4x4junkie]

You need another t-case end flange from a '98-'00 truck (or you can purchase one new from a driveline repair shop, though they tend to get a lot of $$$ for these parts for some reason).

Have you seen this article? Some of your questions are already answered here:

TRS Magazine - One-Piece Rear Driveshaft Swap ('90-'97 4WD Supercab)

www.therangerstation.com

Another option might be to swap the t-case output flange for a larger one, which that flange would have to come from a later truck. This would give you all the parts you need, you'd just have to reconfigure them slightly so the driveshaft slip-spline still faces forward.
Changing the rear axle pinion flange may be more work than it's worth since it can disturb the pinion bearing preload.

 

[Kegworth]

You need another t-case end flange from a '98-'00 truck (or you can purchase one new from a driveline repair shop, though they tend to get a lot of $$$ for these parts for some reason).

Have you seen this article? Some of your questions are already answered here:

TRS Magazine - One-Piece Rear Driveshaft Swap ('90-'97 4WD Supercab)

www.therangerstation.com

Another option might be to swap the t-case output flange for a larger one, which that flange would have to come from a later truck. This would give you all the parts you need, you'd just have to reconfigure them slightly so the driveshaft slip-spline still faces forward.
Changing the rear axle pinion flange may be more work than it's worth since it can disturb the pinion bearing preload.

Yes I’ve read that article many times. Is this the flange needed? https://fortwayneclutch.com/product...haft-flange-yoke-2-female-pilot-sku-2-2-1379/

I’m considering cancelling the alum driveshaft order and just getting the cheaper rusty steel one from the 98. How much of a difference will there be? Or is it just about lifespan?

 

[franklin2]

This was in the article above. I thought they may make a u-joint that would adapt your new shaft to the old flange.


From oldmantruck:

I'm swapping in a late model aluminum 1-piece driveshaft into my 1994 supercab Ranger. The article gives info for a steel one. I found out as mentioned that the aluminum one uses a larger flange on the transfer case. Since the flange wasn't available from the truck I got the driveshaft from I needed a conversion u-joint Spicer Part Number 5-134x. This is basically a 1310 u-joint on one side and 1330 u-joint on the other.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yes I’ve read that article many times. Is this the flange needed? https://fortwayneclutch.com/product...haft-flange-yoke-2-female-pilot-sku-2-2-1379/

I’m considering cancelling the alum driveshaft order and just getting the cheaper rusty steel one from the 98. How much of a difference will there be? Or is it just about lifespan?

This is the flange yoke you would need:

1330 SERIES - FORD EXPLORER, MUSTANG 7.5" 8.8" DRIVESHAFT FLANGE YOKE - 2" PILOT - SKU# 2-2-949 - Fort Wayne Clutch & Driveline

SKU# 2-2-949. 1330 SERIES 4-bolt FLANGE YOKE. FITS VARIOUS FORD 7.5" & 8.8" APPLICATIONS (not all apply). COVERS: N2-2-949, E8ZY-4782-A

fortwayneclutch.com

Again, the steel shaft is smaller diameter than the aluminum (easier to make clearance for it under yours), and comes with one of the needed flange yokes already on it. Excepting for it rusting away (I haven't heard of this mentioned on here real often) the lifespan is mostly about quality of the u-joints, and that you grease them (and the slip-spline) occasionally.
Save your old flange though. If you ever do an 8.8" axle swap in the future, you will need to swap it back onto the driveshaft.

 

[Kegworth]

@4x4junkie If i get the spicer adapter u-joint, the 1310 on one side and 1330 on the other, will that eliminate the need to source the other flange?

 

[4x4junkie]

Not if your old shaft has 1210 joints (assuming you were thinking of reusing one of your old flanges)... I suspect there isn't a 1210-1330 adapter u-joint available either (nor would I recommend one).

 

[franklin2]

Here's another thread where a guy needs an adapter u-joint and cannot find one. They are suggesting using the flange to adapt it over.

1210 driveshaft to 1310 yoke... possible?

Looks like I'd need to remove the carrier & its support so this would be a one-way deal; no room for error. I've always wondered why they ever used a two piece? My T-case flange is SMALL so I'll replace that. Another post says 4x4 Explorers may be a source. Carrier bearings fail and need to...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Shran]

There is no 1210 to 1310 or 1210 to 1330 conversion u-joint. I played that game years ago, the part does not exist.

The front flange on the rear of an Explorer or 90ish and newer Ranger shaft is what you need. Your rear axle has the small pattern flange, the rear output/t-case end of those vehicles matches that as opposed to the large pattern flange on the rear axle of newer trucks.

 

[Kegworth]

I was able to cancel my order of the 2004 driveshaft, and sourced a 1999 steel one. I've read that article about the swap so many times but it just seems still a bit unclear. So, now, i'll use a flange from my original driveshaft, but i still need to order another flange for my 88?

Sry to sound like such a noob, its just hard to get a clear answer.

 

[SenorNoob]

When I swapped the one-piece in my truck, I swapped the pinion flange. That wasn't the best idea as it did end up ruining my rear axle over time. I didn't really care though as I had plans to swap in an Explorer axle anyway.

What's been suggested, is to swap the rear flange of the one piece driveshaft to match your existing driveshaft. But, to do that you need a different rear flange.

 

[Kegworth]

A

When I swapped the one-piece in my truck, I swapped the pinion flange. That wasn't the best idea as it did end up ruining my rear axle over time. I didn't really care though as I had plans to swap in an Explorer axle anyway.

What's been suggested, is to swap the rear flange of the one piece driveshaft to match your existing driveshaft. But, to do that you need a different rear flange.

Right, a "different" rear flange lol. How am I specifically to find this out???

 

[Shadowrider6661]

If it's a rear driveshaft flange that you need, they are available on the internet. If its a Pinion flange, either the salvage yard or place an ad on the TRS site under parts wanted/needed. This is just a suggestion.

 

[SenorNoob]

A


Right, a "different" rear flange lol. How am I specifically to find this out???

I think this it.

You'd need to measure the u joint on the one piece shaft. Or know the size of the u joint at least. (1310?) And measure or know the size of the bolt pattern on your axle.

 

[Kegworth]

I think this it.

You'd need to measure the u joint on the one piece shaft. Or know the size of the u joint at least. (1310?) And measure or know the size of the bolt pattern on your axle.

THANK YOU! I understand the need to measure. I'm just gonna go ahead and order this one, and hope its the right fit for when the driveshaft arrives. Worst case, i gotta return / re-order dif one. Just need to minimize downtime if possible!