Explorer rearend

[Zapato]

I'll be using an Explorer rearend in my car, pumpkin is offset 3 inches one axle longer than other. will need to have one side cut. Ending up using 2 stock short side axles, have been told not to use a used axle as the splines will have ''set'' by use and should never be used on opposite side. and would soon fail. Anyone ever know of such a thing happening or care to chime in, I asked a vendor at a swap meet but he was more interested in selling me a pair of high end axles than answering my question.

So can a previously used axle be used on the opposite side ? I've never seen them marked R or L in wrecking yards.

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[CableguyJJS3]

I'm no expert by any means, but I can't imagine why it would fail. I have swapped in used axles from one vehicle to another, how is that any different? I'd say as long as it's the right length and spline count, it should work just fine. Just my opinion of course though.

[4thgen57]

Call Moser axle. Always been excellent for advice!

[rmk57]

I've mixed and matched axles before and have never had problem. Only thing I could think of is if the one your replacing were bent or the housing was bent which they can be if abused. I got all my 9 inch stuff from Dutchman Motorsports, I think they charge about $90 for axle resplining.

[JPotter57]

When you chop the long side down to use the short axle, it will be exactly one inch shorter than stock.  I almost did this to my car before I bought the 312 for it.  Instead, I will be using it in my kids Pinto project car...3.55 limited slip with 31 spline axles...and no, a used one wont hurt anything unless you are really cranking the r's and sidestepping the clutch...trust me, you wont hurt it.  These rears are nearly as tough as a 9 inch, just a lot uglier.

[Zapato]

kinda what I figured, but when you get a bug stuck in your head its good to ask.

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[junior58]

Have done it twice here in NZ using a Falcon diff cut down to use 2 short axles, once under a 55 Ranchwagon and once under my 34 sedan, never had an axle fail by turning it the opposite way. Main thing is to check that the splines don't have a visible twist, indicating it might have had a hard time.