28 spline to 31 spline worth it?

[ajune93]

Hi all, I have a 1996 Ranger 2wd, i run 33s with a 4 inch lift. I have yet to regear (running 3.55 limited slip stock). I want to regear soon and also am considering adding a locker. With all this to possibly invest into the axle i want to make sure it will hold up. Seeing as im runnin a 2wd with semi serious off roading in my future, is a 31 spline 8.8 worth it to swap or just upgrading the 28 spline enough?

 

[RangerSVT]

I wheeled a stock 28 spline ls for several months with 37" iroks, when I locked it broke a shaft first time out. Upgrade...

SVT

 

[Snoranger]

I would run what you have in there now. Build a 31 spline explorer axle. Then swap it in when you get the time.

 

[bigmark303]

you could go either way really. 28 spline can handle 33s and a locker fine. If you want to spend the money get a 31 spline and set it up. If not just lock the 28 spline.

Ive been running a 7.5 28 spline axle with a detroit locker under my 1997, 4.0L 4x4 for over a year now with 33" ATs and MTs. I use that truck to haul logs out of the woods. Its off roading with a 1,000lb load in the bed and my 7.5 has had no issues to this day. Neither have any of my 8.8 28 spline axles.

 

[Rangurr]

I would do an Explorder swap. From what I've read, 31 spline is the way to go. My personal plan is actually to run an Exp or Fx4 31 spline under my 2x4 with 4.10 and an aussie locker when I get my 33s!

 

[PlumCrazy]

Since you don't have Low Range......there is no way you could ever generate enough torque to twist off a 28 spline.....

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[RangerSVT]

Since you don't have Low Range......there is no way you could ever generate enough torque to twist off a 28 spline.....

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When I busted mine, I had the single speed awd case, so don't say something can't happen, given the right circumstances, anything is possible

SVT

 

[Rangurr]

Since you don't have Low Range......there is no way you could ever generate enough torque to twist off a 28 spline.....

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

If you push ANYTHING hard enough, it will break!

 

[MastuhWaffles]

I'm doing a locker on my 28!

 

[Snoranger]

The other benefit to the Explorer swap, that no one has mentioned, is rear disc brakes. (if you use a '95-01 axle.)

 

[4.0B2]

I'd do the swap... why not upgrade the core as you're upgrading the internals?

I mean, seriously, if you don't have any issues with the 28 spline, it's probably fine for some people but why have that doubt? I did the 31 spline 8.8 to Overbuild for anything I plan on doing. I'd rather be overbuilt and not have to worry quite so much than be worrying the entire time I'm riding about my rear axle exploding..

 

[ajune93]

Thanks for all the help guys. I guess I will take a look around my local junkyards and see what i can turn up axle wise.

 

[Rangurr]

Hope you have better luck than me!! Every time I hit up a yard out here, the good axles are missing from the explorers... :/

 

[Downey]

i would do the swap simply just for the rear disc brakes i love my rear discs

 

[RangerSVT]

Where are you located? One of us might be able to help you locate one. If your close enough to me, I'll sell you one I have, already set up for a ranger. What ratio are you wanting?

SVT