31 spline 8.8 posi rear needed

[88workcar]

Putting 350-400 hp into a 2002 Ranger. What donor trucks should I look for? I want an 8.8 posi with 31 spline axles and as close to bolt in as possible. I am looking so far at the 02-07 FX4 ranger. Please advise

 

[Curious Hound]

The article linked below should be helpful, as well as some other articles in our tech library. Sorry I don't personally have specific answers for you. Plus, in the Ford world, it's called limited slip. I believe posi is a GM term. 2 main styles of limited slip in these axles. One is often called trac-loc, if I recall. The other is by a company called Thorsen. The Thorsen is a geared style, and in my opinion, the better unit.

Ford Ranger Rear Axles (1983-2011) - The Ranger Station

Rear Axles Used: Ford 7.5-Inch Axle: 1983-2011 Ford Ranger’s without a 4.0L V6 came with the Ford 7.5-Inch Axle. 1998-2011 Ford Ranger Super Cab 4×4’s are frequently equipped with 8.8-Inch axles regardless of engine size. Click HERE for more Ford … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Uncle Gump]

The FX4 and FX4 Level II is a swap in.

Explorer axles are 31 spline. They take changing the spring perches and shock mounts.

With that kinda power... I'd likely buy a good carrier for it.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I thought the FX4 and/or FX4 Level 2 were 31 spline rear factory?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I thought the FX4 and/or FX4 Level 2 were 31 spline rear factory?

They are

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

They are

Oh, I read that wrong apparently, lol

 

[88workcar]

I did read where a FX4 could still be 28 and you have to look for the right one. And thanks for the help so far fellas

 

[scotts90ranger]

Explorer axles are WAY easier to find and less hens teethy if parts are needed...

 

[Uncle Gump]

I did read where a FX4 could still be 28 and you have to look for the right one. And thanks for the help so far fellas

This is true...

Only the 02 FX4 and the later years FX4 Level Ii's had a 31 spline 8.8 with the Torsen differential. Some of the Level II trucks the Torsen was optional.

Ford Ranger FX4 Off-Road and Level II - By The Years - The Ranger Station

The Ford Ranger FX4 was introduced in 2002. Here is a year-by-year description of the FX4's offered from 2002 to 2009.

www.therangerstation.com

 

[88workcar]

I am having trouble finding one so what would you guys suggest for option 2 ?

 

[Blmpkn]

Is this thing gonna be set up to hook and book with race tires or beat up off-road or what?

Because If the truck is just gonna be built to produce smiles and tire smoke I wouldn't worry about a 28 spline setup.

 

[88workcar]

Drag race and play on the street. Daily beatings

 

[JoshT]

IIRC similar year Mustangs were putting those numbers through 28 spline 8.8s from the factory. They usually get hopped up a bit in the power department before worrying about the axle, and I think they generally go stronger shafts, them upgrade spline count when they start breaking those consistently. I'm going off memory of past reading, not first hand experience.

It's not a bad upgrade, but IMO, not a must at those power levels.

Not trying to discourage you or anything, just saying...

 

[88workcar]

I did the same. 28s then good 28s then real good 33s LOL. Figured I start bullet proof this time.

 

[88workcar]

So I settled for a S613B from a 95-01 Explorer. Posi with disc brakes, not sure of spline count but will make it all work