I have used all of the search options and done TONS of research on this subject, but have been unable to find the info I am looking for so far. I have a 1998 Ranger 4x4, auto with a 4.0. I am wanting to swap the axles to solid axles because I live in Central Oregon and do a fair bit of offroading. I have access to many junkyards in the area where I can get axles for cheap, but I am not sure which ones. I know that I have decided to go with the Exploder 8.8 rear axle, but I am not sure which years I am looking for. I also currently have a Heavy Duty Dana 44 front axle out of a 1978 GMC Pathfinder van. I am not sure if this will even work, I just know I have one (and a Corporate 14-bolt FF rear axle as well, if anyone is interested). I have had mostly chevy vehicles for off roading, but I am a blue oval blooded Ford lover at heart. I recently picked up this 1998 ranger, and plan on making it into a nice off road ride, while also being a daily driver. I would greatly appreciate any help with this. Thanks in advance.

 

You need a drivers side diff all the older chevys are passenger side drop. If you are going full width you would need something besides a explorer to match the width mabe an 8.8 from a f150 or expidition. will you be running leafs coils ot coilovers up front? if you want to keep the explorer rear axle you would need a dana 30 from a jeep or hace a full width axle narrowed. read up on some of the swaps there are tons with good tech info.

 

Is the chevy axle passenger side drop or driverside? There is no such thing as a chevy HD44 nor a 4wd OEM van so it is going to be a conversion hopefully with a Ford axle. I assume it is 8 lug? If not it is just a regular D44...

 

Most guys use a 44 outta a bronk. Even take the 9" to match. Agreed on the driver drop side comment. That makes using a factory transfer case the easiest option. Otherwise a new TC and adapters would be needed.

If you wanna keep the 8.8 you would have to narrow a 44 to match or use spacers/offset wheels.

The other option I've seen firsthand is a d30 outta a jeep. They are a dime a dozen and the width is close to a 8.8. As long as you don't beat on them too much a 30 should hold up. From what I've seen it does.