Axle shaft for a 2008 Grand Marquis

[Scuba Steve]

I took a corner too quickly and hit a curb last night (stupid). The Watt's link is bent, but the trailing arms and all the mounting tabs look alright from what I can see. The driver's side axle shaft binds when I turn it though, so it looks like I'll have to replace that as well.

Can anyone confirm that I have 31 spline axle shafts? Rock Auto lists 31 and 28 and I haven't pulled the old one out yet. It's a 2.73/Open Diff if that makes any difference.

As far as interchangeability, are all panthers going to have the same axle shafts after a certain year, or should I look for another car with 2.73's at the salvage yards?

[gadget73]

Doesn't matter what the ratio is, the axles are all the same.

Pretty sure they all got a 31 after 2004 or so, but someone who knows the newer ones can confirm that better methinks.

[GM_Guy]

Get a new outer bearing (& seal) while you are at it, if it isn't already on the list.

[Scuba Steve]

Thanks guys. Outer bearing and seal are already on the list. I got the Watt's link off, but it looks like I'll be adding the stud bolt that goes into the axle to the list as well now. It's bent a little bit too. It looks like you can get a new axleshaft, studs, bearing, and seal for about 100 bucks, so I might just do that and drive the chevy to work for now.

[jaywish]

They are 31 spline.