Rear Axle Shaft - Brand

[rijndael]

I need a new rear axle shaft for an older ranger.

Are there any aftermarket brands to avoid?

 

[fantastic]

Well, I don't own or have ever owned a Ranger but I've never heard any horror stories online or anywhere regarding an axle shaft. So in my opinion so long as it's OE equivalent part with a reputable warranty then it should be just fine. Where do you plan to order the part from? Stuff like this may be best down from your local parts store.

 

[rijndael]

Napa or Rock auto are normally my go to choices.

Rock Auto has a couple choices in the "Standard Replacement" category, neither of which I'm familiar with. USA Standard Gear and Motive Gear.

Then there's NAPA, at 2X the cost. Around $230.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Dana seems like a good brand

 

[fantastic]

Napa or Rock auto are normally my go to choices.

Rock Auto has a couple choices in the "Standard Replacement" category, neither of which I'm familiar with. USA Standard Gear and Motive Gear.

Then there's NAPA, at 2X the cost. Around $230.

I'd say you could try gambling with RA & you could potentially save quite a bit. Just know it may be a gamble and if you're trying to avoid that issue could end well or not. It's not some sophisticated electrical part so you should be fine but you may just want to flip a coin. Worst case is it doesn't work out & you need to return it. RA kind of makes it tricky for their returns in my experience but others may have a different experience.

 

[DuckRyder]

Motive gear is typically good stuff...

No PullAParts?

Is it a 7.5 or an 8.8?

 

[rijndael]

It's a 7.5

No parts yards are convenient.

 

[rijndael]

I roled the dice on a Dorman from Rock Auto.

I got the 3 quarts of fluid, diff cover, axle/bearing/seal kit, and a Wix oil analysis for cheaper than the axle from Napa.

 

[DuckRyder]

Frankly id be kinda surprised if pretty much all of them for a 7.5 aren't made the same place.

When mine breaks I'm putting an 8.8 in it...

 

[rijndael]

If I have this truck in 2026, I'd be surprised. This is just keeping it on the road.

 

[D60]

If Yukon offers one it won't be garbage

 

[rijndael]

Dorman to the rescue. It was a smooth install.

I should have not bought the gear oil on Rock Auto, it was the typical bottle and not the bags .... the bags would have been much better. All of the hose I had to extend it, to get in to the fill hole, were old and rigid. The pumps I had didn't fit either.