Surprise on 2011 extended-cab 2wd 4.0 drivetrain...

[ekrampitzjr]

The Haynes manual and other sources indicate the later extended-cab Rangers all had 2–piece driveshafts with a center bearing. I was under my 2011 last week to change the diff oil and noticed right off (pleasant surprise) that mine has a long single driveshaft from tranny to diff. The center bearing is a royal bear to replace, and I'm glad mine doesn't have it.

The difference might be because the truck has an automatic, not a manual. Or maybe because it's 2wd or because it has the V-6, not the 4, who knows. But I've noticed the 2011 models have some differences from even, say, the 2008–2009s.

This truck had the standard 6' bed, but a 7' bed was available for fleet buyers. Maybe the 2–piece driveshaft came with extended-cabs with that longer bed.

In case you wondered, the diff fluid change went well. The reason for the change was mileage; it was due. I'm running a full-synthetic gear oil now.

 

[Dirtman]

The Haynes manual and other sources indicate the later extended-cab Rangers all had 2–piece driveshafts with a center bearing. I was under my 2011 last week to change the diff oil and noticed right off (pleasant surprise) that mine has a long single driveshaft from tranny to diff. The center bearing is a royal bear to replace, and I'm glad mine doesn't have it.

The difference might be because the truck has an automatic, not a manual. Or maybe because it's 2wd or because it has the V-6, not the 4, who knows. But I've noticed the 2011 models have some differences from even, say, the 2008–2009s.

This truck had the standard 6' bed, but a 7' bed was available for fleet buyers. Maybe the 2–piece driveshaft came with extended-cabs with that longer bed.

In case you wondered, the diff fluid change went well. The reason for the change was mileage; it was due. I'm running a full-synthetic gear oil now.

The 2wd automatics all have a one piece driveshaft in 98-2011

 

[ekrampitzjr]

Thanks for the confirmation. Goes to show the aftermarket manuals aren't always accurate, but Haynes has always been held up as the best of the lot.

 

[sgtsandman]

My 2011 4.0 SOHC, manual transmission, 4X4 has a single piece, aluminum rear drive shaft.