I have a 2001 xlt 5.4. My right rear axle broke and came through the housing its done for. My tag on it says V 918 B 3.55 9.75 2M17 B. Must i replace it with the exact one or can i use a different one. And if so which ones will work. It also has rear disc brakes and is a 4x4. Than

 

 

You can replace it with any 9.75" rear that has 3.55 gears and came out of a 97-03 F150 with rear disk brakes. Doesn't have to be 4x4.

 

glc, forgive me for hijacking this thread, but I started a new one titled "Which other vehicles rear axle might fit my F-150?", and so far no replies, but time is of the essence.. I have a few days off starting Tuesday morning and gotta git 'er done.
My '97 Supercab, 4.2L V6, M5OD, 2WD with the S862B rear axle (8.8" w/ 3.55) and drums totally "grenaded" the differential carrier, so I have to replace the entire axle assembly. I presume the S862A and S862C axles w/drums will work (or even with discs if I switch the brakes out?), but will others (for example S869C) work, as long as they have 8.8" ring gear and 3.55 ratio? Or are they different dimensions where they bolt up?
And are there other vehicles, like perhaps Expeditions, that might share the same axle?
I have only a couple of days, and I'm doing it outside in the cold (naturally-- when else?), so the less time I waste locating and installing the (hopefully) correct part, the better...
Can you tell me what other vehicles I might look for in the salvage yard, or what to avoid, or anything that could save me time, miles, and cash? A million thanks for anything you can do, kind sir.

 

there are two different common F150 axle housings 8.8 and 9.75

both were offered in drum and disk variants
both were offered in various gear ratios
both were offered in open and limited slip carriers

Expeditions have multi link coil spring suspension, so thats a no go
Rangers were offered in 8.8 but are narrower axle width if i remember correctly