Ranger FX4 31 Spline Axles

[181]

I have a 2002 Ranger FX4. Lost the right rear seal last week and found that the bearing and the axle were damaged and had to be replaced. I took it to Firestone, and they had a heck of a time finding an axle that would fit. Everything that they ordered came in as a 28 spline, while mine were 31 spline. I am afraid that I will have to replace the left rear in the very near future. Does anyone have an idea where I can get a replacement 31 spline axle? The shop had even contacted Ford and all they had available was the 28 spline. Thanks

 

[ecablarn]

I think only fx4 level 2 axles will work. Explorer axles (all 8.8's) are the same except length is longer by .5" on each side. And all ranger 8.8's are 28 spline other then the fx4 level 2 like yours. I could be wrong but that is what I have learn/heard here over on TRS the last 1 1/2 years.

 

[88_Eddie]

go to the junkyard and try to find one. i dont know that any explorer 8.8 axle will work, i think the widths are different. you'd need to do some measuring first.

 

[4x4junkie]

As a last resort, you could swap the entire axle out for a regular 28 spline Ranger 8.8" axle (bolt-in), or to a 31-spline Explorer 8.8" axle (requires a little welding). I'd suggest going the latter route if possible.
The Explorer axle is a hair wider than your FX4 8.8", but not by enough to matter when replacing the whole thing. Your Torsen L/S diff will also fit the Explorer axle as well if you wish to keep it (vs. having a standard Traction-Lok L/S). Your Torsen will not fit a 28 spline Ranger axle though.

Hope that helps, good luck with it.

And Welcome to TRS

 

[99RangerBoss]

hey guys i have unfortunently got the same problem my passenger side axle is bent but i found out that the right side explorer axle is 27 5/8'' and the ranger is 27 1/4 so its a 3/8'' of an inch difference could this work or am i screwed? btw its a FX4 diff with the Torsen L/S unit.

 

[brinker88]

Talk to DemonFx4 on here. I believe he has a spare Fx4 Lvl 2 axle he might be willing to sell parts off of.

 

[demon-fx4]

hello srry i have been busy since saturday and finally had time to get on. i do have a fx4 8.8 and it is even all taken apart and set aside. let me know what all u need? i'll see if we can work out a deal.

 

[Mac]

Don't think you'll find one in the JY, not sure about that Explorer axel shaft swap but RockAuto has the shafts - not cheap.
Dave

 

[demon-fx4]

u will never find a level II in a yard if u do it will be picked clean

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

u will never find a level II in a yard if u do it will be picked clean

Or completly trashed.

 

[demon-fx4]

Or completly trashed.

well that too.

 

[cdawall]

Order 31 spline shafts from yukon, alloy usa, moser etc. You know the length you need so just call.