Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DENALI · 02-10-2012, 07:07 PM

Thinking of using an explorer rear end under my stock frame. I am wondering what everyone who has used the explorer rear used for wheel size and back spacing? I am thinking about 18" or 20" wheels on the back. If you have any pictures showing your setup that would be great as well. Thanks

Chevette · 02-11-2012, 11:35 AM

Are you sure you want to use parts from an Exploder? They don't have a real good track record.

DENALI · 02-11-2012, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevette

Are you sure you want to use parts from an Exploder? They don't have a real good track record.

Well i think maybe you need to read up a little on the rear ends out of the explorers being used for our trucks. Thanks

1953chevyroc · 02-11-2012, 03:00 PM

i'm planning on using an Explorer rear end in my '53, they have 31 spline axles, come with 3.73 gears and trac-lok (posi) most of the time weigh less than an 8" but are stronger and are just the right width for AD trucks

dirty deeds · 02-11-2012, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1953chevyroc

i'm planning on using an Explorer rear end in my '53, they have 31 spline axles, come with 3.73 gears and trac-lok (posi) most of the time weigh less than an 8" but are stronger and are just the right width for AD trucks

I put one in my Jeep cherokee and beat the wheels off of it offroad, they are tough. BTW, what's an "AD" truck? Sorry, I'm new.

jackson · 02-11-2012, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirty deeds

I put one in my Jeep cherokee and beat the wheels off of it offroad, they are tough. BTW, what's an "AD" truck? Sorry, I'm new.

it means advanced design 47 thru 55 1/2

Jemo · 02-11-2012, 04:09 PM

What do you do for the wheel pattern? Which year Explorer is the right width?
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Kabwe · 02-11-2012, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jemo

What do you do for the wheel pattern? Which year Explorer is the right width?
Posted via Mobile Device

It is very easy to pull axles and rotors and have them redrilled to the Chevy bolt pattern. You can also just buy your rear wheels with a ford bolt pattern because unless you are running all your wheels the same size you will not be rotating tires anyway. Personally I have my rotors and axles redrilled to the chevy bolt pattern, but I know a lot of guys that don't. It does not cost much so way not is my opinion.

I can only tell you about the rearends I've use and they are the same length 95-01.

Kabwe · 02-11-2012, 03:53 PM

The explorer rearend is a very good rearend. It has a 8.8 ring gear which makes it bigger than the 8.5 chevy Big 10 bolt and just a little smaller than the 8.875 12 bolt. The also came with overdrive so the gears will be good. The one I installed in a buddy's truck had 3:73 gears which is great for a 700r4 over drive.

They comes with posi and disc brakes. The disc brakes are kind of cool because they have the emergency brakes that are brake shoes that are built inside the rotors. The rearend is offset to the passenger side (the passenger side is shorter than the driver). It measures 59-1/2 inches wheel mounting point to wheel mounting point which will allow you to run a 10 inch wide wheel with a nice offset on the rear. It is also a c-clip rearend just as the GM 10 and 12 bolt.

jasonpickett · 02-11-2012, 08:32 PM

Denali,

Hey if you are using it for a 47-54 chevy truck, if I am not mistaken it is a 60" rear. The rear on a 4x4 s10 is also 60". You should be able to find out what people are using as far as backspacing. And yes the explorer 8.8 rear is strong.

Amorget · 02-14-2012, 07:01 PM

What model is that rear end out of?

LDO · 02-14-2012, 08:40 PM

that looks just like the one I removed from my 57 this past weekend. Swapped it out for a 12 bolt with 3.07 gears. Way better than the 3.90...

slimneverdies · 02-19-2012, 10:10 PM

Not the best pic but I have the f@rd 8.8 with the dodge steelies. I needed some 1.5 spacers to get the wheels to fit in the fenders right. I guess you can search and find the backspacing on the wheels
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Posted via Mobile Device

53lochevy · 02-22-2012, 02:40 PM

I used a ford 9-inch out of a F100 I believe thats what it came out of got off ebay 31 splines and drums will upgrade to disc's later you will have to shorten the drivers side the passenger side fits right on the money, the pumkin is just alittle offset to one side, used 4 1/2 backspacing on 16 inch rims with 12 inch width tucked under the fenders nice and sweet

1953chevyroc · 03-20-2012, 04:48 PM

so, without tubbing or wheel spacers, will 275/60r15s fit with the explorer rear?

53lochevy · 03-22-2012, 10:46 AM

Sorry bud no way you will have to tub it. I used tubs out of the 70's trucks theses have the edges both inside and out with bolt holes,, the inner fender tub center bolt will bolt perfectly in the cent hole of the outside fender..

slimneverdies · 03-22-2012, 11:53 AM

If you're gonna have a bed floor you definetly will need to tub it as 53lochevy said. I have a 55 gallon drum to cut up for mine
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focusedontheprize · 03-23-2012, 10:06 AM

Looks like this might be the way I am going with my '49.

If you guys are looking for specs on the 8.8" Ford Explorer take a look at this link:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...plorer8_8.html

Appreciate the info and idea.

ibanezer · 04-02-2012, 07:11 PM

I know this is the 47-59 section, but Has anyone used on eof these on a 67-72? or with the rear dropmember?

yoder · 04-02-2012, 09:44 PM

Check out my post #150 on Show us your projects sticky. I used the 8.8.
tubbed 2".

ibanezer · 04-02-2012, 10:32 PM

Ok ill check that out, thanks
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spartakus · 04-04-2012, 09:49 PM

Hey, Yoder or whoever else...

I got a 5.3/4L60E w/ the driveshaft also for my 48.

What are you guys doing to get the flange on the Exploder 8.8 to mat up to a regular style driveshaft w/ u-joint?

Just wondering.

solidaxel · 04-04-2012, 11:18 PM

Welcome from So Az.

I just take my driveshaft and the final measurments to the driveshaft shop and tell Eric this end is a 4L60E and the other end is a Exploder 8.8 and I want it this long with new U-joints and I will pick it up tomorrow afternoon,.
Then everything fits!
Thats is how I build them !!!

yoder · 04-05-2012, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartakus

Hey, Yoder or whoever else...

I got a 5.3/4L60E w/ the driveshaft also for my 48.

What are you guys doing to get the flange on the Exploder 8.8 to mat up to a regular style driveshaft w/ u-joint?

Just wondering.

I used the driveshaft flange off the explorer, brought it into napa and they matched up the right joint. I can probably find the receipt if you need the part number.

Robert Andrew · 12-05-2021, 11:03 AM

I have the same question. You received a bunch of responses, but none answered your question. I always wonder why people respond with off the subject responses.

Surely there is one person who can read and comprehend your post and answer the question. I know, from other posts, that a bunch of guys have used the Explorer rearend.

Can someone give us a succinct answer?

02-11-2012, 11:35 AM	#2
Chevette Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Langley, BC Posts: 702	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc Are you sure you want to use parts from an Exploder? They don't have a real good track record.

02-11-2012, 03:00 PM	#4
1953chevyroc Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Hastings Nebraska Posts: 28	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc i'm planning on using an Explorer rear end in my '53, they have 31 spline axles, come with 3.73 gears and trac-lok (posi) most of the time weigh less than an 8" but are stronger and are just the right width for AD trucks

02-11-2012, 04:09 PM	#7
Jemo Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 148	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc What do you do for the wheel pattern? Which year Explorer is the right width? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ '59 Big Window Fleetside

02-11-2012, 03:53 PM	#9
Kabwe Certified Car Nut Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inglewood, California Posts: 3,118	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc The explorer rearend is a very good rearend. It has a 8.8 ring gear which makes it bigger than the 8.5 chevy Big 10 bolt and just a little smaller than the 8.875 12 bolt. The also came with overdrive so the gears will be good. The one I installed in a buddy's truck had 3:73 gears which is great for a 700r4 over drive. They comes with posi and disc brakes. The disc brakes are kind of cool because they have the emergency brakes that are brake shoes that are built inside the rotors. The rearend is offset to the passenger side (the passenger side is shorter than the driver). It measures 59-1/2 inches wheel mounting point to wheel mounting point which will allow you to run a 10 inch wide wheel with a nice offset on the rear. It is also a c-clip rearend just as the GM 10 and 12 bolt. Last edited by Kabwe; 02-11-2012 at 03:59 PM.

02-11-2012, 08:32 PM	#10
jasonpickett Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Littlestown, PA Posts: 51	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc Denali, Hey if you are using it for a 47-54 chevy truck, if I am not mistaken it is a 60" rear. The rear on a 4x4 s10 is also 60". You should be able to find out what people are using as far as backspacing. And yes the explorer 8.8 rear is strong.

02-10-2012, 07:07 PM	#1
DENALI Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: RC Kansas Posts: 71	Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truck? Thinking of using an explorer rear end under my stock frame. I am wondering what everyone who has used the explorer rear used for wheel size and back spacing? I am thinking about 18" or 20" wheels on the back. If you have any pictures showing your setup that would be great as well. Thanks

02-14-2012, 07:01 PM	#11
Amorget Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Camano Island, WA Posts: 166	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc What model is that rear end out of?

02-14-2012, 08:40 PM	#12
LDO Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Senatobia, MS Posts: 1,302	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc that looks just like the one I removed from my 57 this past weekend. Swapped it out for a 12 bolt with 3.07 gears. Way better than the 3.90... __________________ Once a Marine, always a Marine! My (Her) 57 Build "Beverly" My 66 Build "Betty" My 85 C10 "Old Blue" Help Me Find "Old Blue" OLD BLUE PART II

02-19-2012, 10:10 PM	#13
slimneverdies Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Miami now in Vegas Posts: 828	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc Not the best pic but I have the f@rd 8.8 with the dodge steelies. I needed some 1.5 spacers to get the wheels to fit in the fenders right. I guess you can search and find the backspacing on the wheels Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Long live SLIM ------------------ At least try to buy American

02-22-2012, 02:40 PM	#14
53lochevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: mckinney, tx Posts: 141	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc I used a ford 9-inch out of a F100 I believe thats what it came out of got off ebay 31 splines and drums will upgrade to disc's later you will have to shorten the drivers side the passenger side fits right on the money, the pumkin is just alittle offset to one side, used 4 1/2 backspacing on 16 inch rims with 12 inch width tucked under the fenders nice and sweet Attached Images

03-20-2012, 04:48 PM	#15
1953chevyroc Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Hastings Nebraska Posts: 28	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc so, without tubbing or wheel spacers, will 275/60r15s fit with the explorer rear?

03-22-2012, 10:46 AM	#16
53lochevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: mckinney, tx Posts: 141	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc Sorry bud no way you will have to tub it. I used tubs out of the 70's trucks theses have the edges both inside and out with bolt holes,, the inner fender tub center bolt will bolt perfectly in the cent hole of the outside fender.. Attached Images

03-22-2012, 11:53 AM	#17
slimneverdies Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Miami now in Vegas Posts: 828	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc If you're gonna have a bed floor you definetly will need to tub it as 53lochevy said. I have a 55 gallon drum to cut up for mine Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Long live SLIM ------------------ At least try to buy American

03-23-2012, 10:06 AM	#18
focusedontheprize Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: CA Posts: 846	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc Looks like this might be the way I am going with my '49. If you guys are looking for specs on the 8.8" Ford Explorer take a look at this link: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...plorer8_8.html Appreciate the info and idea.

04-02-2012, 07:11 PM	#19
ibanezer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 94	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc I know this is the 47-59 section, but Has anyone used on eof these on a 67-72? or with the rear dropmember? __________________ 1968 C20 LWB. Soon to be Dropmember'd.



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04-02-2012, 09:44 PM	#20
yoder Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: west salem wi Posts: 8	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc Check out my post #150 on Show us your projects sticky. I used the 8.8. tubbed 2".

04-02-2012, 10:32 PM	#21
ibanezer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 94	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc Ok ill check that out, thanks Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1968 C20 LWB. Soon to be Dropmember'd.

04-04-2012, 09:49 PM	#22
spartakus Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Omaha, Ne Posts: 18	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc Hey, Yoder or whoever else... I got a 5.3/4L60E w/ the driveshaft also for my 48. What are you guys doing to get the flange on the Exploder 8.8 to mat up to a regular style driveshaft w/ u-joint? Just wondering.

04-04-2012, 11:18 PM	#23
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc Welcome from So Az. I just take my driveshaft and the final measurments to the driveshaft shop and tell Eric this end is a 4L60E and the other end is a Exploder 8.8 and I want it this long with new U-joints and I will pick it up tomorrow afternoon,. Then everything fits! Thats is how I build them !!! __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

12-05-2021, 11:03 AM	#25
Robert Andrew Registered User Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Lee's Summit, Mo. Posts: 16	Re: Explorer rear's, What did you use for wheel size/backspace? Pictures of your truc I have the same question. You received a bunch of responses, but none answered your question. I always wonder why people respond with off the subject responses. Surely there is one person who can read and comprehend your post and answer the question. I know, from other posts, that a bunch of guys have used the Explorer rearend. Can someone give us a succinct answer?

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