1988 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab - 7.5 Rear Axle Swap To Ford 8.8

[scotts90ranger]

That welder would do fine for spring perches and shock mounts.

For the parking brake cables, did you get the cables from the explorer axle? I would recommend using those up to the point where the splice deal is between the front half and rear half, I think I have a picture somewhere... can't find it right now though

 

[DIYer314]

Forgot the emergency brake cables. Almost got them but the cable connector at the drivers side door was throwing me for a loop. Was unsure how to disconnect so me and my friend focused on detaching the axle
May get emergency brake cables to work with new for a 97 ford explorer

 

[DIYer314]

Been looking at my options to weld,
Option 1: bring axle to local welding shop
or 2 buy gas generator and welder

Someone is selling a wen power pro 5500 for 300. I am a little confused if a welder can be plugged into the L15-30P socket. There must be adapters for plugs. Just unsure on the voltage and amperage provided by circuit on generator and if it will be enough.
Its either a welding shop or generator

 

[Shran]

Do you have an electric dryer at your house…? or an electric stove? If so you can plug a welder into those for 220v power. You just need to build an adapter to go from whatever plug is on your welder to whatever is on the wall… I ran my welder off my dryer outlet for many years, worked great.

You could have a shop do it but you’ll need to tack it together temporarily during transport after you set your pinion angle and figure out where your shock brackets need to be. Could do that with a cheap 110v welder.

Dunno about the generator - 5500w might be enough? You probably need a 20 amp circuit on the generator at minimum… 30 would be better, and the appropriate plug adapter.

 

[DIYer314]

Found some who has direct experience with this work and is mobile. He said if I can mock it up and he can come in there and weld it I should be good to go. 150/hr
If I can do all the prep work for him it should take at most 3-4 hrs

 

[DIYer314]

Talked with my neighbor and he can do TIG welding. Trying to figure out pinion angle. I measured 11 degrees on the axle / rear drive shaft and 13 degrees on the shaft from the transfer case. Where can I get measurements that were standard for the vehicle and for the 8.8 swap I think the axle sits lower, but everything should even out once the front is swapped?

Just got the axle under the truck and the old one out. Tires are being staged with axle and working on the brake lines and emergency brake lines. Need to get Ford Explorer emergency brake line and adapter.

Shock mounts and leaf perches are on their way.

Been looking at the transmission and engine here and there and am thinking about a inline 6 Ford 300 with the NP435 - heard the NP435 is easier to repair

 

[Josh B]

That 300 6 is a great motor, has a lot of low end torque too, metal timing gear. Good luck with yours man

 

[DIYer314]

you were right on the 3/16th brake line and nuts. Got a stuck flare nut at the t junction of the ranger. Not sure what to do. Got the 1st one off the right way with cutting the pipe and using a socket on it. The 2nd one I used vice grips. Its stripped. Wish I would have done the same with this one. Any ideas? Thinking about replacing t junction if I can't.

 

[pjtoledo]

I have a short 8" pipe wrench that works if the bolt/nut is accessible. they put more pressure on as you pull.
sometimes working the vise grips back & forth a small amount can sort of grind into the bolt/nut, then try the big pull again.

new junction means you get to work on the old fitting at the other end of the flex line, beware the cascade affect

 

[DIYer314]

I think I should try to get this bolt out. The work to get everything connected won't be as bad. I'll try a few more times

 

[DIYer314]

I have a short 8" pipe wrench that works if the bolt/nut is accessible. they put more pressure on as you pull.
sometimes working the vise grips back & forth a small amount can sort of grind into the bolt/nut, then try the big pull again.

new junction means you get to work on the old fitting at the other end of the flex line, beware the cascade affect

Hell yeah the pipe wrench worked!!!!!!!! on the flare that was rounded off

 

[DIYer314]

t junction saved