I found a older rear with 28 splines(I think) and drum brakes. How do they compare to the newer ones? It has to be better than my D35 either way for $100 ya??

for a $100 I would grab it. you can always put 31 spline shafts in later and add a 31 spline locker. could also get shafts with 5on 5.5 lug pattern when you upgrade the 30 front.

I've never heard the definative word on explorer axles. Some say that they were all 31 spline and that the ranger axles were the only ones that were 28. Who knows? I'd buy for $100.

I have yet to see a 28 spline explorer axle. Pull a shaft and check. It'll probably be 31 spline w/ drum brakes. I have heard/seen those before.

ALL explorer's are 31 spline... including my DD 91


ranger's came with 28 spine and I don't know exactly when or if they ever changed to 31 spine