8.8 swap

[BuckskinRanger]

Ok I currently have a 7.5 rear end with a lock rite in my 3.0 5 speed. I found a ranger 8.8 on kijiji and I am going to buy it or go to the junkyard when I'm home to see if I can get an explorer with l/s. my questions are if I buy a 4.10 open 8.8 ( the one on kijiji) ill get a locker installed but should I re-gear to 4.56 with a locker. I tow a trailer and a quad behing my ranger so that's the big question. What gears.

Second is how so the splines work, do I need to worry about this rear end have more splines then my stock on, then hope the driveshaft will bolt up to it?

Ill do more research about the explorer 8.8 but would I have to relocate the perches for the spring on the axle for my ranger or what. Ill be getting the gears and locker installed at a shop so I don't have to worry.

Any info or advise would help a lot thanks!

Kyle.

 

[Rangurr]

This should answer a great many questions: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.shtml

You may want to consider an aussie locker as well if you get the 8.8 open.

Also: More splines = Stronger axle

 

[BuckskinRanger]

Well I just answered some of my questions... I keep forgetting about the tech forum. well I think I'm going to settle for the ranger 8.8 and get it geared and locked. L/S is fine but I'm already getting new gears might as well pass on the L/S. So now gear ratio question is all that's left.

I know the expo 8.8 rear end is stronger but if I need something "towed" ill use my 1 ton. What if I went bigger then 4.56, would that help my motor not wanting to stall out when I'm pushing it off road? Cause that gets annoying.

Kyle.

 

[BuckskinRanger]

Rangurr are Aussie lockers just a lot better build, stronger, etc? Read lots of builds of guys running them. I don't think I've ever read one breaking either. What do they cost usually, canadian prices? Anyone know off the top of there head?

 

[Rangurr]

Lets cover the first questions first: Gear selection depends on your engine size and tire size that you want to have. There are lots of online calculators that will help you choose the right ratio. When I do my swap, I'm planning on 4.56's in an Explorer 8.8. I know of a lot of people use the 4:10's and a few use the 5:13's.

Having the higher ratio will give your more torque basically. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think that was what you were saying when you said not stalling out. You'll have more lo end.

I'm not nearly as educated about the aussie lockers as I would like to be but I can tell you this. Every forum I have read about them (Fords, Chevy's, Jeeps, and so on), has people who love them. From what I understand, it will force each wheel to go at least 100% of the diff speed but will allow them to go faster. For example: a fully locked diff would be 100% and 100% around a corner - causing you to screech around. Supposedly the aussie would allow a 100% inner and an outer wheel speed of over 100%. Don't quote me on this but this is the closest info I've found.

Best of luck

Also Kyle.

 

[BuckskinRanger]

Thanks Kyle great info. Well I have what people call the 3.slow with 30.5 inch tires. 245/75/16 dura tracs, and I doubt ill go bigger, maybe one day up to 33 or 285/75/16. I also have some 265/75/16 dura tracs. The wranglers were free and the 285's are all terrains from bf Goodrich.

The rear end I'm buying is a ranger 8.8 with 4:10 open so I can just buy a locker for that but I think I want higher. I was going to take it to alberta driveline in edmonton to get them to rear gear and lock it. I think ill be happy with 4.56 just incase I did go to my 33's.

Any advice? Il try to find a calculator online.

Thanks

Kyle.

 

[jrpdash9]

My 3.0 had 4.10 and l/s and I had a ton of power(for a 3.0 ) with the 30.5 tires. I would have had no problem going to a bigger tire.