7.5 to 8.8 drive shaft ?'s

[Brokedownscout]

Ok so I'm picking up my front and rear end from a 91 explorer to put in my 85 ranger. I have read on here about how you have to modify the drive shafts. I am wondering what needs to be done to the drive shafts and what's the best way to have them done? I know there is the flange style that people are sayn that's the strongest. But do you have to modify the output shaft on the transfer case? Like I said I'm new to this and all the info that has been givin to me has been a big help, thanks B.

 

[Downey]

front needs shortened about an inch. i think you need to swap the flange to the rear axle. i have one if you need one.

 

[BeaterMan]

when i did this swap, i was able to use the stock front shaft without any modifications. everyone told me it would need to be shortened but it works perfectly the way it is. As for the rear, I thought about getting a conversion ujoint but thats a big no no so I snagged up a one piece shaft from a 99 and had to shortened professionally to the same length as the stock one. That would be the best bet IMO because you ditch those small crappy ujoints that came on the older trucks and get alot bigger ones. its a pretty straight foward swap, i'm glad i did it. if you have any issues or anything, i would be glad to help ya out.