This one is pretty good. I forget where they are in Utah. Nobody else would touch this one.

 

Yep, That' me. Good eye. Family reunion at the best shrimp shack in town !
Franklin was "busy" that day.







That is my Opa, Bettler .

 

Any way to fix this other that a replacement extension?




Tested and went into 4WD on 2025 Oct. Then in recent ice storm, no 4wd. Plastic cover shows no damage so didn't get hit by anything.
Shaft under boot looks great.
And actuator still works fine, Good enough to break the aluminium ear.

 

Holy crap! Unless you can TIG or know someone who can, it's probably best to replace it. I have a complete front axle, but I think shipping to VA would make it not worth it.

Can you engage/disengage the axle by hand? Just trying to find the logic here as to how that happened.

 

Not sure if these pics help, or not... maybe you could make a plate, and use the existing bolts to get you going again? I have the vision in my head - but hard to put into words, lol.

 

...

 

The whole axle, IMO, is easier to replace than repairing it. One day I need to go hunting for a 3.73 and pull it. I have a 3.73 and LSD for my rear.... came out of an Explorer.

 

Just that one side is crazy simple as well. ALA it's complete. The yard wouldn't dismantle any further, it would require tools they prob didn't have. I would just purchase that side complete, it'll will bolt right up. Been there done that.

 

I've done Ranger's / Explorer's quite a few times. And this is easier by a long shot. Those don't have bolt on CV's.

 

I believe the steel oxidized and created pressure in the hole and created a crack the grew with use. Needed better corrosion resistance 30 year ago then.
I had a junkyard person find me one over some junkyard service that have. 20 miles away and $230 buck for whole front assembly in ratio needed.
Probably go that way.
Thanks.