Front Drive Shaft

[ecbaatz]

I have a 1996 Ford Explorer Limited and the Cardan Bearing in the front drive shaft needs replacement. I have rebuilt universal joints before but this is an unusual one. I thought about just replacing the complete shaft but when I try to find one I come up with two different lengths and I have no idea which one I have nor where to find out. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Eric

Well after checking various parts supplier I found out it is the 28 1/4 in shaf,t the longer one. The shorter one has a different type of flange/coupling then the double cardan universal. I have since ordered it from Advance Auto, cheapest out of Autozone, Ford and Napa. Hope this helps someone else.

[PaulS]

This is too late to help you but for others:
Measure from flange to flange to get the length.
You can usually have a driveshaft made with standard U-joints cheaper than you can buy a new one. I had one built for my Bronco II and it was $200 cheaper than a new one and the same price as a used one with no warranty.