31 spline 8.8 of a 2003 FX4

[Battle Phrog]

Sorry if this question was covered in a previous post! I went back several pages and did not see anything. In the event I locate an 8.8 off a 2002 or 2003 FX4, it looks like I would only need to change the rear yoke on the driveshaft to match the 8.8 and the u-bolts (larger tube diameter) to have it replace the 7.5 off my 1998 3.0. I believe the same e-brake cable can be used? Am I missing anything? Both the front and rear will also get a new set of 4.56 gears. Thanks for any comments or advice.

 

[don4331]

Welcome to the site; apologies that we missed your post.

You need to get the larger u-bolts and the spring plate that the u-bolts pass through.

I have replaced 7.5 with 8.8 without change in flanges - you should be OK on '98 Ranger (anything older gets dicey).

Do you have 9" or 10" rear brakes? If you have 10" you're fine on cables, if you have 9" you will want the cables with the 8.8 axle. If you have 9", the 10" brakes have both larger diameter and wider shoes, so provide dramatically more braking. Fine 90% of time, not so good on bald tires in rain. But it never rains in SoCal, does it.

One thing to note: The tone ring in the 7.5 has 102 teeth while the 8.8 has 108 teeth, so you speedo/odometer will read ~6% high with the 8.8.