My drivetrain is whining like hell and I believe it's the rear end. My axle code on my door jam is a 97 which according to a stickied thread here is an 8.8 with 4.10 gears. Would it be worth it to get an explorer rear end and swap 4.10s in it (to match my front gear ratio) or should I just rebuild what I have?

The truck is going to be used for some good hauling more than it will be used for offroading. I figure I'll be towing my dune buggy with it and wouldn't mind getting the rear disc brakes, but if the cost is too much then I think I can live with the drums (I'm using trailer brakes anyway).

Also, how can I tell if my rear is a 28 spline axle?

Thanks!

 

it is 28 spline, i know it sux me too, got the same axle... i wanna do an explorer axle swap for the disc brakes and 31 spline mainly... if your lucky you could find one witha lim. slip to, but i think thats only 3.73 gears (i would need at least 4.10s for now). in my dreams right now i wanna an explorer rear axle w/ disc brakes, lim. slip, 4.10s, 31 spline, but thats not possible, DANGIT

ill just get the explorer rear w/ discs, 31 spline.. then regear when i go to 35s to 4.56 and throw in the PowerTrax no-slip (since i have money comin out my ***... NOT!!)

 

i got my explorer axle for $256 and that came with 4.10's, a LS, and only 60,000 miles on it.

 

i personally would go with an Explorer axle.....IF you have the ability to do the slight fabbign that is necessary...