what axle to swap

dinosore · Jun 12, 2013

Hey all this will be my first axle swap. I have a 92 sport 2wd. It has 7.5 with 3.45 for gears. I've got it leveled up front with new shocks the whol way around, 15x7's with 235's and now need to change my gears up. Obviously a rear axle swap is easier then the re-gearing. I know I need 4.10 for what Im running based on articles on the site. But confused on what to look for and need some direction if possible. So far I believe I am in the market for an 8.8 with 4.10 for gears and if I can get one off an explorer I'll yield the benefit of disc brakes...although IDK how much more work the brake line issues and such would be...so what are my options for doing this axle swap?

shane96ranger · Jun 12, 2013

The Explorer axles are set up for spring under, while the Ranger is spring over. So you would need to weld on new perches. If you are looking for ease, get one out of a Ranger. I honestly don't know what all is involved in the Explorer axle swap with the brakes, and e-brake set-up. If you search the site, there are quite a few members that have performed this task.

The benefits of the Explorer axles are the brakes (as you know), but it also is a 31 spline rather than 28. They are also a touch wider, approximately 1 inch.

EDIT: I forgot the 92 was a little more narrow than the 93+ so the Explorer would be 3 inches wider than yours. Check this out:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.html

dinosore · Jun 12, 2013

Okay so thats more work then I am able to do in terms of fabricating ( i dont weld and friends who do live across the pacific). So a 90-92 ranger 8.8 rear with 4.10 it is and it should bolt right up corrects. Thanks for the link shane and Im still trying to get my hands on a decent taurus fan...but saw a bunch of explorers at the yard which is how I began this axle swap journey as well.

dinosore · Jul 10, 2014

sorry to bring this back up but based on reading the page below I can use any ranger axle and it will bolt up correct? i understand that 93 and up axles will be wider...but the spring perches are all the same correct?

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Ford-7_5-axle.shtml

adsm08 · Jul 10, 2014

dinosore · Jul 10, 2014

even if i find a ranger 8.8 it will bolt up directly drive shaft and all correct? Thanks adsm you always answer short direct just what i need

adsm08 · Jul 10, 2014

On a 92, it should.

scotts90ranger · Jul 11, 2014

You need to stay '90+ for the driveshaft to bolt up, the older ones used a smaller flange and U joint

For 235's I ran them for a long time with 3.73's (heck, ran them with 3.08's too), if you have a 2.3L 4.10 would be recommended (and any 4x4 2.3L ranger will have that combo), probably not a worthwhile swap to jump from 3.45's to 3.73's though...

dinosore · Jul 11, 2014

stoked found an 8.8 posi with 4.11 off a 91 for a decent price. Gunna pick it up tomorrow and begin the axle swap.

what axle to swap

dinosore

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shane96ranger

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dinosore

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adsm08

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dinosore

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scotts90ranger

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