So I have a friend that has a 31 spline L/S carrier,I want to put it in my 03 but it has 28 spline axles. Two questions. One, If I get new 31 spline axles, Seals and bearings am I good to go? Two, What are some good axles for a decent price, I am not looking for any super duper crazy ones. I just want to be able to use the L/S carrier.

 

Usually the 31 spline axles have a 3.25” tube OD, measure the one he has.
If 2.75 or 3” (can’t remember) it is a 28 spline unit.

If his is a smaller tube unit look for an Explorer Rear Differential Housing… 4.10s, LS, 31 spline axles and larger axle tubes and some have disc brakes. These can be had for around the $150 mark so shop around. TheExplorer Housing will need a little work of remounting the spring perches and shock mounting OR you can buy a kit so there is not welding and will make this housing ALMOST a bolt in.

 

the 31 spline axles wont fit the tubes on your 28.

you'd need a replacement explorer housing.

 

Well If I go with an expo axle assemb what year would I want to look for and what would it take to get it to fit under my truck?

 

96-02 is the era i have. you need to weld new spring perches and shock mount to the axle as the old ones wont work.

beyond that, maybe brakes and a few bits. thats it.

you'd need to find a matched gear ratio axle also. as your a 4x4.

 

I've been thinking about putting a locking differential on my '05 XLT 2wd. I just checked out the case yesterday and it turns out I'm running 7.5" 28 spline axles on a 3.73 ratio. If I'm following correctly, the tube is too small to fit the 8.8s (31 spline) and I would need to pull the axle from an older Explorer? As a 2wd would I have to match gear ratio or could I switch for something a bit better, like 4.10? Also, outside of making the necessary modifications to the Explorer rear, anything else I'd need to do to make it fit or are all the measurements the same (e.g. axle length/width and mounting points)?

Finally, (@ Nate) you were helping me out with locker questions a couple of days ago. Have you had a chance to put that Lockright in yet? I'm curious to know how it handles on a DD.

 

Get the newest you can afford, they come with 31 spline axles, LS Diff and disc brakes.

Also, as stated you can buy an adapter kit to mount the axle if you can't get the welding done.

I think Ruff Stuff sells it but it could be Ballistic Fab.