2000 Ranger rear disc conversion?

[Teddyzee]

Might have already been covered. Might be a dumb question. Why couldn't I just take the brake parts off an explorer axle (calipers, brackets, dust shield, etc.) and convert my stock rear diff?

The Explorer axle tubes have a large bolt pattern (same as large bearing Ford 9") that does does match the Ranger 8.8/7.5 bolt pattern, so the parts do not interchange.

 

[trail B2]

I have found this article I think there is one more in our website but I can't find it.http://www.therangerstation.com/Mag...g_your_Ranger_8.8_to_Explorer_disc_brakes.htm

Explorer axles are about $185 here and I understand that explorer 4.10 axles after 95 are pretty rare.

The B2 right axle is 1 5/8 longer than the same year ranger I thought that was kinda weird.Anybody know why they did this?

When I read a write up on putting in an explorer axle it recommended mock bolting with the pad in there.Tacking the pad on and pull it back apart and weld it up.Sure seems like lining up to the old one would work great though sure how i'd try it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have found this article I think there is one more in our website but I can't find it.http://www.therangerstation.com/Mag...g_your_Ranger_8.8_to_Explorer_disc_brakes.htm

Explorer axles are about $185 here and I understand that explorer 4.10 axles after 95 are pretty rare.

The B2 right axle is 1 5/8 longer than the same year ranger I thought that was kinda weird.Anybody know why they did this?

When I read a write up on putting in an explorer axle it recommended mock bolting with the pad in there.Tacking the pad on and pull it back apart and weld it up.Sure seems like lining up to the old one would work great though sure how i'd try it.

I paid $100 from my 8.8 from a private party, I had to pull it (got the springs too) in his garage.

Matching angles wouldn't be that hard. With the axle on jackstands take your magnetic angle finder and stick it on the pinion, rotate the axle on the jackstands until it is zeroed. Then stick it on the pad and see what the angle is.

 

[kryptonitecb]

I have a 94 ranger and grabbed a 2000 8.8 axle so I didn't know about the differences. As for the width, 1 inch on each side is hardly noticeable. And yes having the correct tools to swap the gears is a necessity. I double checked and had a buddy recheck to be sure I wasn't kidding myself when I swapped over the gears.

The 7.5 and the 8.8 parts are NOT interchangeable. They are two completely different axles.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

 

[ZMan]

I have a 94 ranger and grabbed a 2000 8.8 axle so I didn't know about the differences. As for the width, 1 inch on each side is hardly noticeable. And yes having the correct tools to swap the gears is a necessity. I double checked and had a buddy recheck to be sure I wasn't kidding myself when I swapped over the gears.

The 7.5 and the 8.8 parts are NOT interchangeable. They are two completely different axles.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

Just so no one gets confused, you are referring to the 31 spline 8.8, the ranger's 28 spline 8.8 shares bearings with the 7.5, whenever i get them i always have to ask for 7.5 bearings bevause theyll end up giving me big bearings if i dont.

I kind of forgot about the spring perches being on the wrong side..maybe it would be easier to do a disc conversion if you cant weld.

 

[kryptonitecb]

I just saw the post and about the bolt pattern difference. That is not true, the ranger and the explorer share the same 5x4.5 bolt pattern.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

 

[Mac]

I just saw the post and about the bolt pattern difference. That is not true, the ranger and the explorer share the same 5x4.5 bolt pattern.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

Teddy is not talking about the wheel bolt pattern but the (4) bolt rectangular patern on the end/flange of the axle.
Dave of the Nord

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Just so no one gets confused, you are referring to the 31 spline 8.8, the ranger's 28 spline 8.8 shares bearings with the 7.5, whenever i get them i always have to ask for 7.5 bearings bevause theyll end up giving me big bearings if i dont.

The axleshafts are interchangable between the 7.5 and 28 spline 8.8 too.

Teddy is not talking about the wheel bolt pattern but the (4) bolt rectangular patern on the end/flange of the axle.
Dave of the Nord

That is what I was refering to as well.

 

[kryptonitecb]

My bad, I thought you meant the wheel bolt pattern.

Through all of this it just seemed like an 8.8 swap would be easier and cheaper than converting a 7.5 to disk brakes imo

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic