how to measure driveshaft length?

[MUDDING B-3000]

well i want a one piece drive shaft for my 92 ranger ext cab. i kno you can use one from a 98 + ranger ext cab but i cant find one at any wreckers around here so i am goin to get one made an was wondering how to measure for the proper length?

 

[AllanD]

The 1998-on one-piece 4x4 shaft is a direct fit for any '88-up Ranger Supercab...

as far as length is concerned.

HOWEVER length is NOT the only issue.

the diameter of the mating flange on the T-case and axle
is another matter....

your 1992 escapes one of those problems by having the large flange on the axle.
The T-case OTOH has the "small" flange.

EARLY one-piece driveshafts have this arraingement, the problem is that sometime in late 2000 or 2001 ford switched to a different t-case output flange that is the same diameter as the flange on your axle.

OFTEN these flanges can be "robbed" off of 4x4 Explorers because they use the same "large" U-joints.

I have a one-piece shaft on my Gen1 Ranger
Infact I recently switched to an aluminum shaft.
with the "Big flange" at both ends, I swapped the flange on the T-case.

Why? because the small front yoke adapter is what everyone looking to upgrade to a one piece shaft on a Gen2 or Gen3 truck NEEDS.

My switching frees-up a saleable part and allows me to create another saleable shaft.

AD

 

[MUDDING B-3000]

ok thanks alot.