Rear Axle Replacement Options?

[prmaise]

So I was T-boned by an uninsured driver who ran a stop sign. I am fine, Bronco needs body work, air bag replacements and a new rear axle. Ford dealer says new real axle is on back order, for a long time.
My base Bronco is 7mt, 4.46 open diff. What else can I use for the rear axle??
Thanks

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[Dusty]

I'll be pulling my rear axle out sometime in December and it's a 4.46 with open diff. But I'm in California so shipping cost and timeframe would probably make mine a poor choice for you as well.

You might check with Ford Performance rather than Ford factory replacement parts. They offer a 4.46 rear axle assembly with locker. Maybe those are either in stock or shorter lead times, and you'd gain a rear locker in the bargain. https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-4000-446B

 

[HoosierDaddy]

This is when i'd shop around for a matched pair of takeoffs with a M210 front end and locking rear.
See if you can get insurance to cover the swap for the rear.
Swap the front on your dime.

 

[prmaise]

I'll be pulling my rear axle out sometime in December and it's a 4.46 with open diff. But I'm in California so shipping cost and timeframe would probably make mine a poor choice for you as well.

You might check with Ford Performance rather than Ford factory replacement parts. They offer a 4.46 rear axle assembly with locker. Maybe those are either in stock or shorter lead times, and you'd gain a rear locker in the bargain. https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-4000-446B

Hey thanks for the reply and offer. Been talking to my Ford dealer today and the stock rear axle is still back ordered at least a month. Ford has already said they will replace the entire axle from rotor to rotor just like the Performance part M 4000 446B.
The dealer is willing to order and install the Performance part M 4000 446B but not the wiring kit that you have to also order, 14489 BR. The dealer wants to talk to Ford Performance first and expects a call back tomorrow.
Couple of questions you might be able to help out on:
0) how hard is it to install the wiring kit
1) The Ford Performance site says can take up to 14 days to deliver, can they do that faster?
2) If the dealer installs the new Performance axle and not install the wiring kit, what state is the axle in by default, locked or unlocked? I would have to drive it some before I can install the wiring harness switch.
Thanks!

 

[Bird Dog Off Road]

Hey thanks for the reply and offer. Been talking to my Ford dealer today and the stock rear axle is still back ordered at least a month. Ford has already said they will replace the entire axle from rotor to rotor just like the Performance part M 4000 446B.
The dealer is willing to order and install the Performance part M 4000 446B but not the wiring kit that you have to also order, 14489 BR. The dealer wants to talk to Ford Performance first and expects a call back tomorrow.
Couple of questions you might be able to help out on:
0) how hard is it to install the wiring kit
1) The Ford Performance site says can take up to 14 days to deliver, can they do that faster?
2) If the dealer installs the new Performance axle and not install the wiring kit, what state is the axle in by default, locked or unlocked? I would have to drive it some before I can install the wiring harness switch.
Thanks!

If your budget allows, see if they will let you pay the difference for the Dana 60 Semi-float, LOL. The lockers will not be default locked. I'd say any reputable shop should be able to handle the wiring relatively easy if you're not comfortable with it.

 

[Dusty]

Hey thanks for the reply and offer. Been talking to my Ford dealer today and the stock rear axle is still back ordered at least a month. Ford has already said they will replace the entire axle from rotor to rotor just like the Performance part M 4000 446B.
The dealer is willing to order and install the Performance part M 4000 446B but not the wiring kit that you have to also order, 14489 BR. The dealer wants to talk to Ford Performance first and expects a call back tomorrow.
Couple of questions you might be able to help out on:
0) how hard is it to install the wiring kit
1) The Ford Performance site says can take up to 14 days to deliver, can they do that faster?
2) If the dealer installs the new Performance axle and not install the wiring kit, what state is the axle in by default, locked or unlocked? I would have to drive it some before I can install the wiring harness switch.
Thanks!

0) I haven't done the wiring yet but I intend to buy the parts online and wire it up myself rather than using Ford's wiring kit. I've looked at the instructions for the Ford kit and It doesn't look too hard but I have no way of judging what would be easy or difficult for you. I would suggest that, if you're at least handy with basic tools, you could tackle it yourself. If you've never even popped the hood on a car before, let the dealer do it.

1) I have no clue about Ford Performance's lead times. Sorry, can't help you there at all.

2) Yes I think you should be able to drive around on it without the wiring hooked up. It's just a simple 2-wire connection that is either energized or not. When it's not, that's the same as not being hooked up at all. That would leave the locker disengaged, basically it will function just like an open differential.

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