2010 Ranger Axle In First Gen?

[marcmontreuil]

Hey guys/gals! Total newbie here! I am wondering if anyone has done this swap on a first gen ranger? I know its an inch longer overall than the 56.50" 7.5/8.8 from the early rangers. I was just wondering if anyone has any tips/tricks/things to look out for? My local junkyard has a 2010 with disc brakes and I am thinking about grabbing it before I do the Rough Country lift kit.


Thanks all!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I *think* the width is the only issue.

 

[marcmontreuil]

I *think* the width is the only issue.

Right which if that's the only issue is that it sticks out a half inch more on each side that is not a big deal. I was just making sure all the bracketry is the same. New brake lines are no big deal, but I am just wanting to make sure I do not have to relocate perches etc. I can do it, I just want to be fully aware of what I am commiting myself too lol

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I *think* the width is the only issue.

IIRC the disk brake axles use the same diameter axle tubes as a 31 spline 8.8. ABS sensor(s) if applicable will probably be different as well.

 

[marcmontreuil]

IIRC the disk brake axles use the same diameter axle tubes as a 31 spline 8.8. ABS sensor(s) if applicable will probably be different as well.

Ok, so then my understanding the 90 doesn't have ABS? I know the axle tube's will require the 8.8 ubolts and plates.

 

[2011Supercab]

I thought it was an inch on each side. But the spring perches are the same.

 

[Shran]

I am under the impression that the spring perches are the same. It is a problem if you are going from Bronco II to Ranger or vise versa but Ranger to Ranger is not an issue.

Wider axle in the rear looks better IMO. 1st gen (83-88) and some 2nd gens that had Dana 28's in the front were really narrow in the front. Swapping a Dana 35 gets you a couple inches there (4x4 application of course) and an Explorer 8.8 will be a gain of a couple inches in the rear as well. Narrow in the rear gives you a better turning radius but it looks kinda weird... 90's GM trucks were the worst for that.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Ok, so then my understanding the 90 doesn't have ABS? I know the axle tube's will require the 8.8 ubolts and plates.

It was optional so you vary well may not have ABS.

 

[marcmontreuil]

Thanks for all the answers! I am 2wd so I don't have the worry of that-I am trying to reduce the size of spacers, if at all possible, for the front. It is almost like finding a unicorn 90-92 ranger 8.8 lsd! I will go back and check the axle widths in the tech section, but I vaguely remember due to the rear discs that the axle was actually narrower to allow for the spacing.

 

[sgtsandman]

If the OPs truck has ABS or RABS, the setup is different on the 2010-2011 since it has two sensors at the ends of the axle instead of one at the differential housing. I don't know if it would be possible to keep that operating.

If there is no ABS of any kind, it would be a non issue. It might be a good idea to leave the sensors in place to keep the holes plugged.

The axle tubes are larger. So new u-bolts will be needed as well as the spring plates to clamp the axle to the springs.

The last thing that I can think of that may be an issue is bolting the existing driveshaft to the axle. The yoke is probably going to be different and either the end of the driveshaft will need to be changed to get it to bolt up or the yoke of the axle itself.

It may be possible to find a driveshaft from a Ranger that has the same transmission and a 8.8 axle and just swap the whole thing. I know I had a heck of a time finding the right driveshaft for the 1998 but I did eventually fine one.

 

[pjtoledo]

Thanks for all the answers! I am 2wd so I don't have the worry of that-I am trying to reduce the size of spacers, if at all possible, for the front. It is almost like finding a unicorn 90-92 ranger 8.8 lsd! I will go back and check the axle widths in the tech section, but I vaguely remember due to the rear discs that the axle was actually narrower to allow for the spacing.

that is correct. the axle shafts are narrower/shorter by the difference between a drum and disk center section. 2010 disk =5/16" center.
maybe 3/8, it's been a while
that makes the actual wheel to wheel distance identical between disk & drum.
the 2010 has the big 1.62 wheel bearing, but the center splines are only 28.

 

[scotts90ranger]

On a '90 I would NOT worry about having the correct speed sensor on the axle, RABS is next to useless, I unplugged the actuator on my F350 since it kept locking up the rear brakes unloaded and the '90 Ranger has had the RABS light on since I switched to the 8.8 (sensor is there...), no real regerts... now that I'm rear discs I have way more control of the brakes anyway...

 

[marcmontreuil]

Definitely makes more sense

On a '90 I would NOT worry about having the correct speed sensor on the axle, RABS is next to useless, I unplugged the actuator on my F350 since it kept locking up the rear brakes unloaded and the '90 Ranger has had the RABS light on since I switched to the 8.8 (sensor is there...), no real regerts... now that I'm rear discs I have way more control of the brakes anyway...

Definitely makes sense. I am new to these ole girls. I couldn't figure that they would be too effective anyway-lol