1988 Ford Ranger Axle Swap

[abzoverland]

I want to see want axles would be the best to use in my overland rig. My plans for this is going to be an overlanding rig so it has to be road worthy. I'm not building a rock crawler. Right now it has the stock dana 28 TTB in front and dana 7.5 in the rear. I would like around the same width of axles. Thanks for your help

 

[JoshT]

Same width? Thast kind of limits options. Strongest TTB (stock axle style) that came in a Ranger was a D35. It bolts right in palce of the D28 and there are upgrade options.

It's also possible to cut down the width a D44 or a solid axle with more work and expense.

For the rear a Ranger or Explorer 8.8 is a good option for a mostly bolt in option in about the stock width. Ranger axle up to 2008 will bolt right in. The FX4 LII is probably the pinnacle of stock ranger axles if you can find one, since all of them have a good locker and the only Ranger 31 spline axle from the factory. Explorer axle will require a bit more work, but all of them are 31 spline, they are more available, and many of them have disc brakes.

Most of this stuff is covered in the tech library if you want to look for more details.

 

[abzoverland]

Thanks I will look in the tech library.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, that... I'm running a D35 and explorer 8.8 in my '90 Ranger and it works fine and has put up with a fair amount of abuse with some small modifications.

The Explorer 8.8's are fairly durable, I welded up the spider gears on my '00 V8 explorer and somehow it keeps going, not recommended for street use, it's a bit squealey and annoying in town at least on a 5k pound vehicle with a fair amount of weight in the back.

 

[bobbywalter]

with loads i prefer full float axles. the explorer 31 spline 8.8 is pretty good though. maybe a c clip eliminator.



the dana 28 and 35 are the weakest front setups....but the 35 is upgradeable if you shop wisely can be done for peanuts..



for a tough and light rear end...there are lots of options.

QPGNGPKG-Quick Performance Full Floating Grand National Metr

www.quickperformance.com

 

[abzoverland]

I found some older 70's Bronco axles for 750 dollars for the set. Would this be a good deal? I read in a few articles they are pretty good for what I'm doing . What's your guys opinion on this. Thanks

 

[scotts90ranger]

The early bronco axles aren't the best, they're small bearing 9" in the back and I think low pinion 44 up front, others know more on that... for the money a Jeep D30 might be better than an EB 44 and a explorer 8.8 is stronger than a small bearing 9"...

If setup right a D35 TTB is as strong as a D44, main issue is wheel bearings since they're right next to eachother but if you don't have dumb offset wheels and keep everything centered they last fine with maintenance.