Dumb question but.....

[Twizzler09]

What front/rear axles does a '96 XLT 4.0 2WD L/S run stock?

I've been told the rears are Dana 40's, but I don't think thats right.

I'm looking to keep the 8.8" but change it to a posi, and change the ratio to 4.10 and hopefully keep the 28 spline (I want to change as little as possible). The reason I ask is that I don't think the rear axles can hold up to a 347 stroker with a 6-71 blower.... in which case, what would be the proper axle to use?

 

[kunar]

What front/rear axles does a '96 XLT 4.0 2WD L/S run stock?

if its 2wd, there is no front axle. it should be an 8.8 28 spline rear. you can figure out your gear ratio by the axle code number on the door tag. if you want to go lower gears and stronger axle, look for a fx4 l2 axle you can swap in. its a bolt in deal and it will be either 4.10 gears or 4.56 gears with a l/s and 31 splines

 

[4x4junkie]

if its 2wd, there is no front axle.

Yeah there is... its called "Twin-I-Beam"

J/K


Yes, the rear is the Ford Corporate 8.8", 28 spline. Unless you'll be running sticky drag slicks on it, I would think it should be fine, even with the 28 spline shafts (lots of Mustang guys run big power through theirs no problem).

Running sticky (or large diameter) tires would probably call for an upgrade to 31 spline shafts however.
Easiest swap is the 31spl FX4 axle already mentioned above, although they're about as easy to find as hen's teeth. It'd probably be easier to find ANY '91-'01 Explorer 8.8" and reposition the leafspring mounts on it to run it under your Ranger ('95-'01 axles will get you disc brakes in the process).
You can also convert your existing 8.8" to 31 spline using custom shafts from Moser, Currie, Dutchman, etc. This won't get you the larger wheelbearings though.

 

[Twizzler09]

I think I can find 31 spline 8.8" axles easy enough, but can I keep the stock differential housing or does that need to be changed also?

Yes, I'm planning on running drag slicks on it when I get the opportunity to take it out to the track

 

[kunar]

if you want the 31 spline axle, just go find a complete axle and swap it in. that way you get the lower gears you want too. the 28 spline axle housing and carrier are both different. like junkie said, an explorer as a donor would be easier to find but it would also take a chance on being either 3.55 gears or being an open diff. if you can find a level 2 with the axle still in it, grab it quick

 

[Twizzler09]

Thanks for the input, now if I could get some more suggestions in my thread in the 4.0L Motor section I'd be set

All thats left is to locate the parts and get to work.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yeah, factory-geared 4.10 Explorer 8.8s are out there (look in '97-'01 V6 models). Many (most?) with that ratio will have the factory Traction-Lok L/S diff, although I'd probably run something aftermarket in it (mainly for carrier strength reasons).

 

[AllanD]

If you are planning drag slicks I'd definatly plan on replacing the entire axle as an assembly with an Explorer axle.

the exploere axle doesn't only have the 31-splines at the carrier, but larger shafts at the outer bearing journal which is FAR more important.

Additionally it'll have larger diameter axle tubes which are more resistant to bending.

Lastly, it'll be STOCK parts you can get from vitually any junkyard
rather than "Custom shafts" that you can only get from Moser, Strange, etc.

For the limited welding required to mount spring pads to the TOPS of the axle tubes for the ranger's "spring over" setup and adding on shock mounts (on the explorer the shocks mount to the spring plates) you get a BIG benefit in strength over either an essentially
stock 28-spline 8.8" OR a 28-spline rear fitted with custom shafts, but that still have the smaller bearing journals and thus shafts that are not materially stronger than the factory 28-spline pieces.

So far ALL of the broken ranger axle shafts I've ever seen
(including the one where some psycho put a 403 Olds engine into a Ranger)
were broken at the outer bearing journal.

The fact that the shiny brake rotors peeking through your wheels look better than a pair of rusty drums... is just icing on the cake

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[Twizzler09]

Thanks for the input guys.

Looks like I'm after the rear-end of an Exploder