89 Bronco II Drive shaft/rear end problem

[jakeyf08]

I have an 89 Bronco II and there is something wrong with the rear end. The drive shaft is no longer turning the gears in the rear end. I pulled the cover off and i spun the rear wheel and the gears are functioning. the drive shaft is loose and just sittin in the rear end. I wondering what the possibilities are as far as what broke at the end of the drive shaft? I have not pulled the whole rear end off yet I am curious if it could possibly be an easy fix or if I would have to find a new drive shaft at a junk yard. I guess it is hard to say until I pull the rear end off but any possibilities would be appreciated. Thanks

[rhandwor]

Pull the cover off the back of the rear end. Are the ring and pinion gear working. Watch as you move the drive shaft.

[jakeyf08]

The drive shaft in not connected any more. drive shaft spins but doesnt spin the rear end. When I spin the back wheel all the gears function so something is broken off at the end of the drive shaft....how is the ring and pinion connected to the end of the drive shaft? Before this happened I would hear a sort of like scraping or grinding sound coming from the rear end.

[rhandwor]

Go to this site and look at picture.
http://www.differentials.com/products.html