I found a sweet deal on a 1988 Ranger rear end but am hesitant to purchase because of something I read on TRS about older vehicles not having provisions for the RAMS sensor. Is this something I should be concerned about? I've included the passage to what I found on TRS and info I found about what the RABS sensor does as well.

TRS:
1986-up "Incomplete vehicles" also known as "Chassis Cabs" were frequently equipped with 8.8" 28-spline axles, the '86-88 examples are distinctive as they are the only 8.8" Ranger rears that have no provisions for a RABS sensor.

RABS info (via http://www.asashop.org/autoinc/dec99/techtips.htm):
Read the 2nd paragraph under Background for an explanation of its' function \ purpose. For those like myself who are not mechanics.

 

why would you want to run that old of an axle?

also, if i remember correctly, that axle is not as wide as your newer ranger's axle

 

I'm new to Rangers. I didn't know that older axles were shorter. Can someone confirm Gay-briel's claim?

If it's incompatible I won't pick it up or if it's beaten to sh*t. But if I can confirm with other members on this forum that it'll work then I'll have to pick it up. The seller only wants $75 for it.

 

well, whats so great about the axle?


ive picked up newer axles for less

 

I'm not sure if there's anything great about it. LOL. This is the cheapest I've found one since I've started my quest for one. I'm just looking for guidance so I don't end up buying junk.

 

ok, go into detail

what do you have

what are you looking for?

 

I've got an 06 XLT 2WD Super Cab. I'm planning on a mild lift (4 - 4.5in). I've considered a taller lift but it's my daily driver. Anyways...I don't plan on doing crazy off roading but I want a capable truck that will be able to tackle the trails I do decide to venture on. I also plan on hauling my camping gear in the rear and occassionally tow a jet ski along with that. So...I'm looking for a beefer rear. I've read that Explorer rear ends are more desireable because they're 31 spline compared to the 28 spline Ranger rear. And, I guess I could wait till I find an Explorer rear end or hold out till my mom buys her new car so I can part out her 93 Explorer...mainly the 8.8 L\S 3.73...but if I go that route I still will have to tackle the task of removing the old mounts and fabbing up new ones. That's a problem! I'm not mechanically inclined or for that matter a freakn' welder. So, is that enough detail for you? LOL. Help!!!

 

I would keep looking for something else.

 

Alright. Any other comments \ advise?

 

If you don't feel confident in doing a SOA explorer swap I would definitely recommend against it. I did it and was confident in myself and I was prolly a little over my head on the project.

I would keep looking for a newer axle that has the RABS. Keep looking for the axle you want and need and don't settle for less.

When searching for my axle I didn't set a dead line for it I just started looking and then I found exactly what I was looking for rather than finding something that was close and making it work.

 

Good perspective. I don't have a dead line so I do have all the time in the world to search for what I'm really looking for......and that would be an Explorer rear with either drum or disk. I've read there's more involved with disk brakes but that doesn't matter. And for the record...even though I'm not mechanically inclined I'm still confident enough in myself to finish this project.

 

Hey if you have the confidence then I say go for it.

Find a friend with a welder and see if he could help you out. In terms of an explorer axle with drums verses with disc. The drums are easier but in comparison to the amount of work needed to flip the perches doing the brakes is cake.

You could aways get the explorer axle and get a flip kit. Don't know where you could find one but I have heard of them before.

The disc brake job basically entails cutting the steel brake lines on your ranger axle using a double flair tool and flaring each cut end then connecting that end to a passenger rubber brake line from an explorer. It really isn't that hard. Just get two rubber brake lines. I got one from the auto parts store and the other came from an explorer in the junkyard. So if you got a complete axle then it should come with one. That is it for the brakes. If you can find disc's get disc's. The stopping power I have is comparable if not better than stock with my 33's. And now I don't have to disassemble my rear brakes everytime they get caked with mud.

 

By your brief description it doesn't seem like a lot of work. I'll definitely dig around for more info if I do end up finding a rear with discs.

 

In comparison to what is needed to get a drum brake explorer axle in the truck it really isn't that much work. And if you are going to go through the trouble why not add a little more to the plate.

If you are going to take your time with the install I would bet you could get the thing all setup with brakelines and all before it even went into the truck.

I rushed it in one weekend. From welding perches to cutting brakes so it pretty much sucked.

 

is your truck a regular cab?

what axle do you have now?

and no way i would ever put that old of an axle in a new ranger.

 

If you want a low effort swap to 31-spline, look for an axle assembly out of a 2003~2007 Ranger FX4 Level II. These are all 4.10 L/S w/ 31-spline axles and drums. The best part is that it is a bolt on swap. You'd just need to grab the U-bolts and spring plates from the LII donor to match the larger axle tube diameter.

Be sure to get it with the brake backing plates because they are different for the 28-spline and 31-spline axle flanges. The rest of the brake hardware should be the same as your Supercab.

Downside? The Level II axle can be hard to find because it was only on 2~3% of Ranger production in those years. Worth the search, though, if an easy 31-spline swap is your goal.