1989 7.5 to 2001 8.8 rear end swap?

[KlownChapel]

Hello everyone,
I have a 1989 2.3L Ranger and I want to update the rear end with disc brakes and a limited slip diff. I'm wondering if I get a rear end of an 01 Explorer if it would bolt directly in. I know that it's a slightly larger axel and that the driveshaft/pinion flange would have to be swapped but I need to now if it will bolt in correctly.
Please help thanks.

 

[adsm08]

The Explorer axle is not bolt in. Ranger axles are spring-over, the Explorer was spring-under, so you need a flip kit.

Also the Explorer shock mounts are part of the lower spring plates, so shock tabs will need to be added.

Unless of course you are looking to drop the rear about 4 inches.

 

[4x4junkie]

Unless of course you are looking to drop the rear about 4 inches.

I suspect this may be the case since he has a "Low Rangers" road sign as his avatar (it should drop it closer to 5½" as the thickness of the leaf spring plays into it as well).

The Ex axle will bolt up, though I can't say whether the pinion angle will be correct or not. It should not be so far off that you can't correct it with axle wedge shims.


Welcome to TRS.