7.5" to 8.8" Axle Swap

[riverratrick]

I am trying to figure out how to get the pinion angle correct when welding on the new spring perches. Can you sit the axle on existing bottom perches on the 8.8 and weld new ones 180 degrees opposite, or do you move new perches foward 6 degrees and weld them.I Appreciate any help. riverratrick

 

[kryptonitecb]

I have no idea what procedure you are trying to describe. If you are attempting to weld on leaf perches you can use a ruler to measure the perch placement. And an angle finder to determine the pinion angle.

Sent from road while ignoring traffic

 

[88_Eddie]

the EX 8.8 is sprung under, the ranger needs to be sprung over. he's talking about putting the perches directly above the existing EX perches to get the width correct. (if i read it correctly)

to answer your question, i do believe that will work on a ranger because the frame width is the same. not 100% sure on that. i do know that it wont work for a bronco II, but that doesnt matter in this case.

as far as setting the pinion angle, you wont want it to be the same as it was in the explorer because of the difference in wheel base.

what i would do is place your perches above the existing EX perches, push the axle under the truck, hook up the leaf springs and driveshaft and then put a jack under the pinion of the diff, then raise the pinion to get the desired angle.

 

[Hagan]

Just weld them on at the same angle as your stock perches on your 7.5. They make degree shims if you REALLY need it.

Use an angle finder.