Hello. I am getting an 8.8 with 10'' drums. I have a 7.5 with 9'' drums currently. All the brake stuff including parking brake cables were just replaced in the 9'' set up. My question is does anyone know for certain if I can swap it directly over to the 8.8? Thanks!!

 

No, you can't swap the parts inside.

But you can swap every thing and put the 9" brakes on the 8.8" axle, move 9" backing plates, bolt holes will line up, to the 8.8" axle.

I am basing this on the fact that you can take 10" complete setup from an 8.8" axle and replace the 9" brakes on a 7.5", that was/is a popular upgrade.
Just never seen it done the other way before, smaller brakes are usually not "better"

 

Great, that's what I was hoping! So just to be clear, I should be able to swap everything( including the backing plates) without any modifications(in all reality)? Thanks RonD!!

 

Yes, you can do it the other way so no reason I can see it won't work doing it in reverse.

You can read here for the 9" to 10" upgrade: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...Upgrades.shtml

They do say Ranger 8.8"(28-spline) which have smaller axle tubes than Explorer 8.8"(31-spline) but backing plates should be the same

 

Awesome, Thanks again RonD!

 

I agree with Ron, it totally can be done.

With that being said, why? Drum brake parts aren't that expensive, why try to be cheap and sacrifice stopping power over hundred bucks in parts (that are wear items anyway). I'd step up and re-do the 10" drums (or hell, even convert to discs) and enjoy the added stopping power. Just my $.02.

 

 

If i do keep the 10'' drums will the parking brake cables on the 8.8 hook up under the cab the same as the old 9''?

 

Yup

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks again guys for all the input! Swapped axles today, the 10'' brakes had good pad and the parking brake cables were good so after all that i just went with the 10'' brakes. I did have to go to a junkyard to find the parking brake part that connects the 2 cables together since the newer rear end cables attached different. I also had to make the center holes on the rims a hair bigger to slide over the axle. mother then that it went well. You guys rule for advice!