Ive wanted to replace the rear drum brakes with discs ever since i bought my 07 stx last year. ive talked to several people about it and some mentioned a brake swap kit and others mentioned swapping out the whole rear end with one from a 96 explorer. Im also looking at dropping a 500hp V8 down in it and am curious if i decide to go with the explorer frame if it will hold up to that much power of if id just be better off with a new performance rear end and axel setup with and disc kit on it. If i can get away with the explorer rear end then i can just update the gears and axels.
this is what im working with.

 

the expo axle will be stronger, but a 9" may be better suited for your app imo

 

I would really look at an Explorer axle before going to a 9". The Expo 8.8 has a lot going for it for the price point.

 

the only real good part about the expo axle is it will require no cutting or welding to do it on a 2wd truck. the c clips will more than likely fail and the shafts may or may not hold up to 500 hp. True, you can get the Super 8.8 kit and do a c clip eliminator but that is 800 bucks just in that kit. you will still get a weaker ring and pinion and much less options. the 9" for his app would be better off. heck might even be able to make one happen for under the 800 mark. mustangs came with them with the correct bolt pattern and are only a few inches off width wise witch can be corrected by spacers or the correct backspace or offset on a wheel. and on the width note, the expo axle is 3" wider (if memory serves me) than the ranger so if he is lowered or plans to bed mods may be needed.

 

A lowering kit adds a lot more horsepower than an Exploder axle. Do work!

 

If your going with 500hp those stock leafs have to go. You will need a 4 link if you dont want it to dry hop every time you gas it.


The 31 spline 8.8 will handle it, keep in mind it comes behind some cobra mustangs. If you go 9 inch it will need to be modified to fit your width, unless you can find a early bronco one. Otherwise you can get a custom width 9 with the 4 link brackets already welded on in a nice pretty powder coat if the budget allows.

 

the expo is only 1 inch overall wider. just do the swap and lower the front end to match = sex.