Hi,

I have a 98 f150 5.4l with a 3.55 open rear end, and a bearing has left a deep groove in the rear axle shaft. I am currently looking for a used one, but will get a new one if I have to. I was just wondering what trucks or vans I could use an axle from, also I noticed that on new and even on some used listings they state left/right, or drivers/passenger side. Does it matter which side its from?? Aren't they the same axle shaft?? Any help is appreciated. thanks.

 

Have you looked at a axle bearing repair kit? I worked on a fleet of 98-01 F150s that hauled too much black gas pipe on the ladder rack and kept taking out the right rear axle bearing from the excessive weight. If the groves weren't too deep I used the repair bearing and never had any problems. They knock in like a regular bearing, they are just a lot longer to cover the damaged area.

 

The axles are different lengths, I believe the right is shorter than the left. The left must be replaced with a left and visa versa.

 

Hi,

Ya the groove in the passenger side axle is fairly deep. I talked to my uncle who is a mechanic, and he basically told me that those axle repair bearings are a quick fix. I plan on owning this truck for a year or more still and I do put on quite a bit of miles. Thanks for the replies.