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I mentioned this in my driveshaft post in the General Discussion forum, but I wanted to ask here as well since it's axle related.
I read something in the tech library about pre 1990 driveshafts not working with the Explorer 8.8" axle.
I've got a 85 2.3L 2wd automatic long bed that I will be installing an 8.8 into. I know that the 8.8 is not needed for the 2.3L, might actually be detrimental, but it's to support a V8 swap coming not too far down the road. The axle could be a 2000 Ranger or a 1998 Explorer, or different points both could be installed. I have both and intend to lower it while getting ready for the V8 swap. I just don't know how soon that lowering is going to happen.
What needs to be changed to run an 8.8" axle in my truck?
The truck needs a drive shaft, it doesn't currently have one. If it didn't need one I'd just wait until I was ready to do the swap. I can't see buying/building a driveshaft for the current 7.5" axle, then having to replace it in a few months to match an 8.8" axle. I'd rather get a drive shaft setup for, or that I can easily convert to, the 8.8" axle. I've got the parts to install either axle, just a little extra time and labor. I'd rather swap axles twice than buy two driveshafts.
I read something in the tech library about pre 1990 driveshafts not working with the Explorer 8.8" axle.
I would assume that applies to any 8.8" axle since the Explorer 8.8" will bolt in place of a Ranger 8.8" as far as the drive shaft is concerned.Pre-1990 Ranger Driveshafts Will Not Bolt Directly Up To The Explorer 8.8 (Have Custom Shaft Made Or Get A 1990 Or Newer Shaft)
I've got a 85 2.3L 2wd automatic long bed that I will be installing an 8.8 into. I know that the 8.8 is not needed for the 2.3L, might actually be detrimental, but it's to support a V8 swap coming not too far down the road. The axle could be a 2000 Ranger or a 1998 Explorer, or different points both could be installed. I have both and intend to lower it while getting ready for the V8 swap. I just don't know how soon that lowering is going to happen.
What needs to be changed to run an 8.8" axle in my truck?
The truck needs a drive shaft, it doesn't currently have one. If it didn't need one I'd just wait until I was ready to do the swap. I can't see buying/building a driveshaft for the current 7.5" axle, then having to replace it in a few months to match an 8.8" axle. I'd rather get a drive shaft setup for, or that I can easily convert to, the 8.8" axle. I've got the parts to install either axle, just a little extra time and labor. I'd rather swap axles twice than buy two driveshafts.