Open 8.8 to LS

Denisefwd93 · May 18, 2018

Code 91, open 8.8"* 3.27 is on there now,. It's not a high priority, just I'm doing some research and finding that limited slip of this same ratio comes under explorers.

Is it possible to make an open 8.8 into a limited-slip not too expensively?

This is not an area I know my way around. So... my little bit of research tells me it's about the same cost to get a rear end from a yard or to get a locker for the existing.

thoughts?

thanks in advance!

adsm08 · May 18, 2018

You need a carrier, clutches, and a shim kit. Your pinion depth is already set so all you would need to do is check/reset backlash.

It is probably about the same price to buy a whole axle at the yard, but you would still probably want to replace the clutches. And an Explorer axle would be more work, and more cost, but they are stronger and you can get disc brakes for the rear.

Denisefwd93 · May 18, 2018

Thank you! now if I understand it correctly, it's not even worth getting used "guts" ?

I've been reading with much interest how explorer axles go into Rangers I really like whole idea!

I do wonder about the extra width, is that a problem?

adsm08 said:
You need a carrier, clutches, and a shim kit. Your pinion depth is already set so all you would need to do is check/reset backlash.

It is probably about the same price to buy a whole axle at the yard, but you would still probably want to replace the clutches. And an Explorer axle would be more work, and more cost, but they are stronger and you can get disc brakes for the rear.

Will · May 18, 2018

Width is no issue. There are a handful of things you need to do as the Exploder axle has larger tubes and different parking brake and service brake connections.

Denisefwd93 · May 18, 2018

Will said:
Width is no issue. There are a handful of things you need to do as the Exploder axle has larger tubes and different parking brake and service brake connections.

Yes I've been reading about the exploder swap out couple years now I just don't know what I'm going to do I'm just investigating the options because I do think I want limited slip on the rear axle I really liked it on my other truck.
Thank you!

adsm08 · May 18, 2018

Denisefwd93 said:
Thank you! now if I understand it correctly, it's not even worth getting used "guts" ?

I've been reading with much interest how explorer axles go into Rangers I really like whole idea!

I do wonder about the extra width, is that a problem?

Well the carrier isn't a wear item, so you can get that used and be 90% of the way there.

I would replace the clutches since they are a wear item, and the carrier has to be pulled to do them anyway, so do them while it is out.

You will likely need new carrier shims too to correct backlash for the new carrier, but the old ones may get you very close. I'd just get the Yukon build-a-shim kit that lets you make one the size you need.

The width on an Explorer axle is nothing to worry about. I put one in my 87, which has the narrowest track width of any Ranger, and I could still tuck the rear tires until I went to 31x10.50.

bobbywalter · May 18, 2018

You have a open diff.

Buy an aussie.

alwaysFlOoReD · May 18, 2018

If you're really tight on money you can add an extra shim or two to the side gears and get a red neck posi. It doesn't last all that long and there is the possibility of grenading the spiders. I've done this on a 9" and a dana 28 front pig. I never had any problems but also didn't put on a whole lot of miles. I will be doing this again soon on an 8.8 explorer rear that I just picked up for my race truck.

cp2295 · May 19, 2018

Do all that’s mentioned plus Inspect the side bearings on the donor carrier too. Make sure there’s no pitting, discoloration, or odd marks on the bearings or races. If the bearings are questionable replace them (yourself or have someone with access to a press-or do it the way I do using a die grinder a chisel and a BFH).

Also be sure your pinion bearing has no play and that the pinion spins smoothly while you have it all apart.

9/10 times the stock shims will work, but definitely be prepared to buy a shim kit.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Denisefwd93 · May 19, 2018

Wow, this quickly got complicated!
Bobby I really like that Aussie Locker solution you offered, and it's affordable too. I think that's probably the route I'll go if and when I ever do.
Thank you everyone for your input!

scotts90ranger · May 19, 2018

I love the Aussie in my Ranger (explorer 8.8 though...), not too many drivability issues, forget it's back there sometimes... Has lived through extreme abuse (did a tractor pull, twisted/bent drive shaft, twisted axle tube/broke plug weld and bent a leaf spring) and just plain works...

Open 8.8 to LS

Denisefwd93

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adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey

Denisefwd93

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Will

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Denisefwd93

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adsm08

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bobbywalter

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alwaysFlOoReD

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cp2295

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Denisefwd93

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scotts90ranger

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