I'm interested in replacing the U-joints in both the front and rear drive shafts in my 2004 FX4. When I search for them, numerous results come back with several different sizes. This leads me to a few questions...

1. On the rear drive shaft, are the front and rear U-joints the same? Some sites list them as the same and some list a different transfer case side and differential side.

2. What size u-joints have you guys used, for both ends of both drive shafts?

3. The stockers are Spicer, but I cant seem to find new ones from Spicer. What brand has everyone gone with when replacing them? I'd like to stick to Spicer, but Moog seems to be pretty decent as well.

__________________
2004 FX4 Level II

They are not always the same at both ends. Moog is good but whatever brand you go with, compare your old u-joints with the new ones at the store if you can. I had a heck of a time with one side of the drive shaft on my old '98. The parts store had the wrong part listed and I ended up bringing the old one in and compared it to what they had on the shelf for Rangers before I got a good match.

__________________
Sgtsandman's Work in Progress
2011 Ranger XLT, 4X4, 4 door Super Cab. 4.0L, 5 Speed M50D-R1HD, 3.73:1, 8.8" open differential, Jason Pace cap
2019 Ford Ranger STX FX4, Super Crew, 2.3L Ecoboost, 10 speed automatic, 3.73:1 with rear locker, Leer 100XR cap

Thanks Sandman. It seems that even online sites like AutoZone, Advance Auto, etc. list several different sizes for my truck.

I guess there were numerous options in 2004 though, 8.8"/7.5", reg cab/extended cab, short bed/long bed, 2wd/4wd, geez!

Yeah I may have to pull them out and go to a store. I just want to do preventative maintenance. The truck is 15 years old but only has 60K on the clock. I don't want to hit a trial and have something finally break. I'd like to get ahead of it all.


EDIT: Oreilly Auto Parts lists a few different ones but it show specifically where they go. With Spicer and with Masterpro brands, it seems both u-joints for the front drive shaft are the same, and both for the rear are the same.

For my 2004 with 4wd (no difference for FX4) it shows Spicer #5-153X for the front and Spicer 5-213X for rear. It also lists the Masterpro #280 for the fronts and #270 for the rears. All of these part numbers are for greaseable u-joints. They have the non-greaseable ones for like $1 cheaper each.

I would imagine this will work for most 8.8" models. The rear Spicer number says it'll work for a 2WD as well.

__________________
2004 FX4 Level II

The best way to know is to measure them to be sure. I had a hell of a time finding the proper u-joints for my cousins explorer since it used 1350? joints though it was listed for a joint much smaller than that

__________________
2001.5 2.3 213xxx and counting
M501-HD L154 Manual
Don't bother looking for 1st gear synchros, I bought the last one