8.8 rear decision ...... yay or nay

[FAKKY]

Was really looking for a 31 spline explorer rear. Hard to find in condition I want and LimSlip and 3.73/4.10

Wondering....

If I can get a cheap 8.8 (3.27 gears from a Lincoln or say mustang etc) is it worth buying it and putting in something like

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/d...a562/overview/

So basically a nice ready to bolt in 31 spline 8.8 from explorer for around $500
or
A cheaper 27 spline 8.8 with trutrac put in for say $800.

thoughts ?

[dsraven]

we must have more up here in Calgary, when I was cruising picknpull there were several choices. they do have an online inventory check.
I would look for the mustang 8.8 just because the diff is centered. if no go then look for an explorer. most explorers were 3.73 posi with big axles. the ranger stabilizer bar can be made to fit in front of the diff for clearance out back to fit a fuel tank or use the explorer stab bar rear facing. park brake stuff should be grabbed at the same time as well as the driveshaft for the rear flange part. check ouit welders series for brackets and other stuff you may need for the install. if going leaf springs you can get some new spring pads from a trailer axle shop.

[mongocanfly]

Is it going in a TF or AD?
And 500 just for a standard axle sounds high around here..most standard rears in our area can be had for 300
Lkq has a inventory list and you can get them to order what you need from another lkq store..

[jbarron]

Big question is "Do you need the 31 spline axles".
If I was doing this again I would just get a Mustang axle.
I prefer the centered chunk and I think the length is a better fit.
The '99-01 explorer axle in mine will not take most "used" modern offset wheels and fit under the bed without a tub. Limits the selection of off the shelf wheels or craigslist finds that would look good.
I currently have my frame sitting on a set of borrowed Mustang wheels and the tire is ~1/2" from frame rail.

Take the measurements first and see what axle fits your needs keeping in mind what wheels you want to run and what offset they come in.

[FAKKY]

Originally Posted by jbarron

Big question is "Do you need the 31 spline axles".
If I was doing this again I would just get a Mustang axle.
I prefer the centered chunk and I think the length is a better fit.
The '99-01 explorer axle in mine will not take most "used" modern offset wheels and fit under the bed without a tub. Limits the selection of off the shelf wheels or craigslist finds that would look good.
I currently have my frame sitting on a set of borrowed Mustang wheels and the tire is ~1/2" from frame rail.

Take the measurements first and see what axle fits your needs keeping in mind what wheels you want to run and what offset they come in.

What years of mustangs ?
Whats the difference in WMS for mustang V explorer.
28 spline should be ok ..... as only going with a stock 4.8/5.3 to begin with .... but who knows in future.

[jbarron]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...8_8-axle.shtml

84-92ish Lincoln Mark VII & 82-end of rear drive production Continential also 61.5" wide w/ disc brakes, BUT 5x4.5" pattern.
94-98 Mustang 60.25" w/disc brakes and 5x4.5" pattern
99-04 Mustang 61-5/8" w/disc brakes and 5x4.5"

The explorer axles were plentiful here, but the 3.73 locker was hard to find.
2 out of the dozen or so explorers I found in one lot. The other one I did not get was toast.

Not sure about the ratios in the cars compared to the explorer.

You should pick your rims and then see what width you need to make it work.

The picture shows my rear setup with the explorer rear and newer mustang wheels. The tires would be all over the bed sides on this 50 model.

[Jemezcrusher]

Yay

I have put in two different projects. My 55 sedan and the 50 3100 Cost 125.00 at the pull and pay. Even with new gears and bearings my total is still only 750

[FAKKY]

Originally Posted by jbarron

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...8_8-axle.shtml

84-92ish Lincoln Mark VII & 82-end of rear drive production Continential also 61.5" wide w/ disc brakes, BUT 5x4.5" pattern.
94-98 Mustang 60.25" w/disc brakes and 5x4.5" pattern
99-04 Mustang 61-5/8" w/disc brakes and 5x4.5"

The explorer axles were plentiful here, but the 3.73 locker was hard to find.
2 out of the dozen or so explorers I found in one lot. The other one I did not get was toast.

Not sure about the ratios in the cars compared to the explorer.

You should pick your rims and then see what width you need to make it work.

The picture shows my rear setup with the explorer rear and newer mustang wheels. The tires would be all over the bed sides on this 50 model.

5x4.5 is fine as front will be that bolt pattern from IFS swap.

Problem Ive found with Lincoln Mark VII is 3.27 gears ....

94-98 Mustang sounds ok .... but heard these were mainly 7.5 gears not 8.8
But this arcticle suggests no .... http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ford-8-8-rear-end/

Also not sure what WMS/WMS width I have up front after the dakota IFS swap. IF it measures say 58" does it matter if rear is 60".

Like the idea of the mustang ....... but dont think I can run 3.27 gears .....
plus 28 versus 31 spline ....... (generally).... probably not a problem now ... but if I turbo it later.

[FAKKY]

Originally Posted by Jemezcrusher

Yay

I have put in two different projects. My 55 sedan and the 50 3100 Cost 125.00 at the pull and pay. Even with new gears and bearings my total is still only 750

Which one

Found an explorer axle in ok condition for $150 delivered.
Need to check if Limited Slip or OPEN.

[mr48chev]

Sounds like a good price if it has the right gear ratio and is complete and in decent shape.

[dsraven]

if it still has the tag on it. LS is limited slip and the ratio is usually on there as well. should yank the cover and look inside if possible. should drain it anyway. a rebrg kit is fairly cheap if the gears are good.
really, for 150, it is a good deal considering you still have the skin on your knuckles and gas in your car. meaning, no trip to the wrecker and wandering through the yard. does it come with brakes etc?

[NorCalGal]

8.8 31 spline LS 373 out of explorer with disc brakes at pick n pull I paid $150.00 so cheap I bought 2.

[Jemezcrusher]

Originally Posted by FAKKY

Which one

Found an explorer axle in ok condition for $150 delivered.
Need to check if Limited Slip or OPEN.

Sorry, the 8.8. Both are 3.73 with limited slip. If you go to the yard try to find the lowest miles possible, but also look for clean and dry. Out here in the west, the Exploders are as plentiful as any vehicle.

I take a battery powered sawzall and can have one out in about 20 minutes

Be sure to get the cables for the E-Brake and cut the companion flange off the drive shaft.

I had Chevy pattern holes put in the axles for the sedan, and then bought 5 x 4.5 pattern IFS for the front of the 3100 so the wheels all have the same pattern

[focusedontheprize]

+1 another one running the setup - 3.73 LS w/disc brakes out of a 1997 Explorer. Picked it up for $125 - the best $125 I spent on this truck.

[FAKKY]

Thanks guys

Hope to have it here tomorrow