Rear axle seal and bearing

[Michaelolson88]

Just need some quick help determining the parts that i need to replace. I have a 1999 ford ranger xlt 4wd and need to replace my rear axle seals and bearings on both sides and looking up online im finding a bunch of different parts at wildly different prices, just hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Brain75]

what is the "axle" code on the sticker on driver door (that will tell you if you have a 7.5" or 8.8")... and has the rear axle been swapped to the best of your knowledge (is it way lowered or lifted or such)?

 

[Brain75]

actually probably better to just short cut the door tag and go straight to the axle tag.
here's the lookup and more info

Ford 7.5 & 8.8 Inch Axle Tag & Door Codes - The Ranger Station

Identifying Your Axle From The Axle Tag: You can identify which axle you have by the tag attached to the inspection cover. Here is an example of an axle tag: Looking at that tag, you can see the gear ratio … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Michaelolson88]

my mistake. I should have included that. It is stock without a lift or anything

 

[Brain75]

so an R7 would be a 8.8"

and from the 8.8" tech page (https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-8-8-inch-rear-axle-history-and-specs/#gsc.tab=0):

• The 1990-2009 Ford Ranger 28-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 2.80 inches in diameter.
• The 2010-2011 Ford Ranger 28-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 3.25 inches in diameter.
• The Ford Ranger 31-spline 8.8-Inch axle tube is 3.25 inches in diameter.

as long as you don't have an FX4 package or any other oddball reason to have a 31 spline, you would be a 2.8" tube diameter (might check with a tape before ordering anything you can't return for free or have to mess with shipping etc).

With all that knowledge does it narrow down what the parts stores are offering to just the right choice?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So… for whatever reason some parts stores have incorrect listings…

Ranger 7.5” and 8.8” (except FX4) to 2009 use the same bearing and seal. I know for a fact that if you go to Autozone and tell them you have a 1999 Ranger with an 8.8” rear they will sell you the bearing and seal for a 95 F-150 with an 8.8” rear. I’m not entirely certain, but it may also be the 31 spline 8.8” size that the Explorers and stuff used. The bearing and seal (or repair bearing and seal, which can be used if you rip the inner seal out of it to allow gear oil to get to the bearing) for a Ranger with a 7.5” will get you the correct parts.