I just removed the front drive shaft of my '97 Explorer, AWD, 5.0L and found that the cv joint at the transfer case was bad. I purchased a replacement, part #65-9452, from a local Napa store. I've tried to install it without success. It appears to be too long. I've read that Ford changed the transfer case midway through the '97 production year and some '97 models take the '98 model front drive shaft, #65-9450. Does anyone have any knowledge regarding this? Have I be sold the wrong shaft, or is there a trick for installing it?
Thanks,
dpj