8.8 Swap for v8 ranger

306deranged · Jul 21, 2015

I have an 1988 ford ranger 2wd, It currently has a 8.8 in it with leaf over axle from an old 4.0 ranger. The truck sits too high and I want to flip it to leaf under axle. However I also need 373s and lim slip so im thinking the best thing to do is just get an explorer rear end. Does it simply just bolt it or do they leaf springs not connect in these older rangers. Some one told me they don't connect on the side of the frame the same way. Does the shock perches have to be welded on to the tubes? I guess im basically asking how hard is it to swap and what all is needed. I found a few threads but all those were for 4x4 who wanted to go higher, I want it 4 inches lower and no one talked about how the leaf springs will attach.

PlumCrazy · Jul 21, 2015

The perches are too far apart on the Expo axle to work under a Ranger. They will still need to be cut off and rewelded at Ranger width, even if you plan to keep it spring under.

You will also need to add shock mounts to the axle tubes since Expo shocks mount on the U bolt plate.

306deranged · Jul 21, 2015

alright so maybe I should just stick with what I have and flip it and put traction bars on it? what all would be needed to convert to the disc brake setup of the explorer. Just trying to weigh my options, if its better to build my ranger 8.8 or if itd be cheaper to buy an 8.8 explorer with a flip kit already basically on it and 373s LS.

PlumCrazy · Jul 21, 2015

Expo 8.8 is easier IMO. Just weld perches and shock tabs on and its done. Not to mention it will 31 spline vs your 28 spline.

don4331 · Jul 21, 2015

Please review the following and get back to us with any additional questions.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/explorer_8-8_swap_no_welding.shtml

p.s. It isn't possible to put Explorer discs on Ranger axle*; the flanges are very different (you can install Mustang discs though).

*Very late model ('10-11?) FX4 Ranger's could use Explorer discs, but they already have disc brakes...

Note: Explorer axle will be 3" wider than your '88 and have larger hubs (2.83" versus 2.5"), so your wheels may/may not fit..

f3joel · Jul 21, 2015

I think you might be better off, depending on your pull a part or junk yards available, to get another 8.8 off a ranger in 3.73 and flip it.
Unless you can get a ring and pinion and have it installed cheaper.
You can add 94-04 mustang rear disc brakes to it.

turbo91xlt · Jul 22, 2015

PlumCrazy said:
The perches are too far apart on the Expo axle to work under a Ranger. They will still need to be cut off and rewelded at Ranger width, even if you plan to keep it spring under.

??? The leaf spring perches are the exact same width apart as a ranger just mount under the axle (which is what the OP wants) vs over axle in a ranger. You may have to use axle shims to get the pinion angle right though. If you grab an axle from a first gen explorer with the 10" drums its basically a nut and bolt swap minus the shock mounts. The later ones with disc brakes is a little more involved but not overly difficult. As mentioned before they are wider then square body ranger axle so your wheels will stick out a little further.

PlumCrazy · Jul 22, 2015

My Ranger perches sit in about 1" inboard per side compared to the Explorer. I can go measure the Expo axle and the Ranger axle in my garage.... It has been about 5 years since I did the swap though. I know the Expo perches were same spacing as the Bronco 2 though.

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PlumCrazy · Jul 22, 2015

Just measured... Expo perches are 40" center to center... The Ranger is just under 38" center to center.

Also don't forget the Expo axle tubes are larger diameter, so you will new U bolts.

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306deranged · Jul 22, 2015

i found a set of gears for cheap as well as a carrier. if i stayed with my 8.8 that i have now and bought the djm flip brackets, which would give me my drop and then jegs has a universal traction bars for 70 bucks. this would work right?

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+Products/555/64400/10002/-1?CAWELAID=230006180000178946&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=230006180000848229&cadevice=c&gclid=CN2BwIrG78YCFQoTHwod4LwIhw

http://djmsuspension.com/applications/ford/1989-1997-ford-ranger/

don4331 · Jul 22, 2015

Plum Crazy: What years are your Explorer and Ranger axles?

I too walked out to the garage and measured axles:

The '98 Ranger was 38.5" from center of spring pad to center of spring pad and the WMS to WMS is 58.5" matching what one would find here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Ford-8_8-axle.shtml

The '96 Explorer axle WMS was 59.5" (matching what is on the web page). But, the spring pad to spring pad center distance is 39.5".

The holes in spring pads are large enough and there is enough distance for the springs to flex, so everything will line up, but its a force fit, not a clearance one.

So, I am now wondering if the pre-'90 frames,well at least the spring pads, are narrower.

I just reuse the Explorer u-bolts but then I am cheap; I believe there was a thread which confirmed if you should re-use; but I am having issues finding it...

PlumCrazy · Jul 22, 2015

The Ranger is a 95, but I am almost certain all Rangers are the same.

I know all Expos are the same.

Your measurements are probably more accurate than my half assed measurements I took at 5am this morning. Lol

Regardless.... The Expo is wider and springs and bushings should not be forced and sitting under lateral stress because someone is to lazy or cheap to do it right.

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chvlfrk · Jul 22, 2015

>>>>

PlumCrazy said:
Your measurements are probably more accurate than my half assed measurements I took at 5am this morning. Lol

Regardless.... The Expo is wider and springs and bushings should not be forced and sitting under lateral stress because someone is to lazy or cheap to do it right.

======================
WOW!

I've got Expo 8.8's under both my 94's and they both went in without any "force". IMO an 1" is just a 1/2" per side and you have rubber bushings in the spring eyes that give you some flexability.

BUT, I do believe the 92 back frames are narrower than 93 up. I put a Bronco II LS under my Son's 93 and the rear tires tuck in an inch or so on each side.

turbo91xlt · Jul 23, 2015

Humm weird, when I did my expo 8.8 swap in my '91 I welded the new perches on basically 180* from the original explorer ones and it bolted in perfectly. I'll be doing another swap in the next few months for my 4x4.

redhurricane · Jul 29, 2015

I have put two 95+ explorer disc 8.8's in 1987 RBV trucks. spring perch width was identical on both. Overall width at the wheel mating surface is 3" wider as indicated in the axle tech section.

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