i have a connection where i can get a explorer 8.8 axle with 4.10 gears and a l/s installed complete with sway bars and rotor to rotor for 100 bucks my question is what all is needed to prep the axle to go under my ranger?

 

get me one too!

 

spring perches need to be on top and welded and it need shock mounts for it after that you should be a ok look at the how to for the expo axle

 

The Ford Explorer 8.8-Inch Rear Axles

 

And don't be cheap and reuse the existing perches....new perches are a whopping $20 or 30 for a pair.

 

i reused the old purches because mine were prefectly fine when you get them cut off with a plasma cutter its much easier. but as said above you need to move spring perches get new shock mounts and you need bigger ubolts, because the axle tube is a bigger diameter.

 

bigger diameter?? does he have an 8.8 already? just w/ out disc and 4.10s??

 

8.8 28 spline = 2.75" or 3" axle tubes(I don't remember at this time...I'm fairly confident they are 3")
8.8 31 spline = 3.25" axle tubes.

Bigger axle tube, requiring bigger U-bolts.

 

yes shane its 3 and 3.25

 

my truck has a 7.5" with 373

 

i never reuse anything thats been cut so i will buy new shock mounts and spring perches

 

OK on the mechanicals, what about the computer and the electronics on the 8.8 ?

For instance, I have n '03 Ranger Edge 3.0 (I have not been under it and do not know what it has) if it has a 7.5 and I want to go to the 8.8, what year Explorer is best for my swap and cause me less problems with the electronics ?

Disc Brakes would be nice too.

 

95-00(guessing here) use disc brakes. Earlier models have drum brakes. I don't believe you have to deal with anything electrical besides unpugging the old abs sensor for the one on the new axle.

 

changing gears may be what he is talking about- speedo accuracy. The dealer can reflash for the gear change. With an x3 tuner you can do it yourself (all 1996+ except 2000)

 

Thanks but no !
I was under the impression that the computer gets info from the rear end, ABS and Speed info.
I was wondering if there are any consideration about the computer/year/compatibility when choosing an axle ?

 

Since you have an 03 the speed is read at the tranny for 2wd or from the OSS sensor in the extension housing for 4wd trucks.

 

OK then, that;s it... so whippersnapper02, first thanks for that and second, will the 8.8 out of a '94 Navajo (X-Sport) fit and work in my '03 Ranger Edge ?

Thanks ahead of time...

 

I"m not going to say yes since I'm not 100% sure but I think it will just bolt right in. The rear axles have never really changed over the years. But another thing to consider is that 94 axle may not have abs.

 

Thanks and yes it does (thank GOD); Ice and too much speed on the Hy-way proved the ABS works well, almost got a Vette and a pickup.

OK, I will look into the rear a little more but thanks for the assist.
I won't be changing the rear axle until the 289EFI (4.75L) goes in, down the trail somewhere but I have the '94 Navajo and didn't want to junk it with out pulling the parts I might need.

 

what the dimensions on the u bolts for explorer

 

I haven't got that far yet but I have hearing from this forum they should be in the 3.250" range.

I will start by pulling the 8.8 since there is a good chance it will fit and I do own it NOW.
Then I will measure the width and see if the wiring is the same.

Again, thanks,

 

Plenty of info about everything here: The Ranger Station - Technical Library

 

Thanks

 

i can get an 8.8 for free, its in a friend's explorer across the road hmm... wish i had a place for the explorer.. since im already grabbing the leaf springs out of it. its an early 90's 4 door.