need urgent help on cv axle info!

[cNo7]

I have a 1999 (prod. date of 8/98) Ranger....4.0L 4x4.

The boots gave out after 138k miles and now i'm searching for remanufactured replacements. I'd prefer not to send them off to rebuild them ($105 each...as opposed to less than that for reman's), but here's my problem. In calling all your major (and some local) parts stores, they're all pulling up the same thing. On my truck, I don't have that 1 1/4" nut holding the axle in...but a plastic snap ring. I double checked my research with these parts stores, and no one is finding anything that uses a snap ring! I've even given them the ford part number of 5F2Z-3B436 and 3B437, but they're not pulling up any parts that will cross-reference!

So, am I the only one that's encountered this issue? Any know of a place where I can get some reman's or do I have to suck it up and have them rebuilt? This is my daily driver...so any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Zerocide]

well at that point i would question weather or not you can use a bolt insted of the snap plastic.

also, did you ranger make any noise before the CVs gave out? im getten some squelling when i drive around and i cant tell if its the CV or the boot, either way i got a 99 ranger so i might be in the same boat as you.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

You don't have the nut because you have the pulse vacuum hublock system. It requires a different axle with the snap ring.

In my area, AutoZone sells 98-00 (the years with the vacuum system) CV axles for $75 reman'd. Honestly, on these it's not usually worth just replacing only the boot. I'd just get the whole axle and be done with it.

Also, your parts people are idiots if they can't find 98-00 Ranger axles.