Couple questions about width and bolt pattern

[Shran]

I am going to be starting my SAS sometime soon when I get the cash to buy gears and stuff. I will be using an EB D44 and a 31 spline 8.8 out of an explorer, because it's already set up with disc brakes.

First off, how do the widths of these two compare? This leads to my next question...

Obviously I want to keep the same bolt pattern all the way around. I am thinking of using wheel adapters, but I want to use them on the narrower axle so that both end up being around the same width. I am also not above getting one set of shafts redrilled to match if they're pretty close to the same width.

I am not sure where to go with this. I also have the option of going with a 9" EB width rear, but it doesn't have disc brakes...hence my conundrum.

I'm sure this has been done before. What do you guys think would be my best option here?

[SuperRob]

I'd go with the 8.8, and get the front end cut to match. the 8.8 will be less work to modify (remember you may have to mess around with the brakes, I'm not sure if that master cylinder will run 4 discs or not.....never looked into it.

If you get the right front end (not sure what year....or what the sizes are, and after the day I had today I'm too lazy to look it up, but its all on here somewhere) it may be the same width, or else slightly wider, in which case you get adapters for the rear, and all of a sudden you have matching bolt patterns, and matching width axles.

Good luck!

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Look into the Superior gear and axle Super 88 kit, it comes with chromo shafts that have flanges with thread in wheel studs and have both the 5x4.5 and 5x5.5 patterns, as well as C clip eliminators.

[Toreadorranger]

Look into the Superior gear and axle Super 88 kit, it comes with chromo shafts that have flanges with thread in wheel studs and have both the 5x4.5 and 5x5.5 patterns, as well as C clip eliminators.

That also Widens the rear, and Im pretty sure that both an explorer rear and the EB front are 59.5" WMS to WMS. I would just get the explorer shafts redrilled or have a new set of alloy shafts made with the right pattern then just redrill the disks.

[Shran]

Cool. Thanks for the info, you guys are the best.