7.5 to 8.8 driveshaft question?

[Trucker mike]

I'm upgrading to a 8.8 from a 7.5 in my 1986 STX ranger.
The axle with springs came from a 1998 explorer and I got the one piece driveshaft and my ranger has a tow piece.
Can anyone tell me how much do I have to shorten my driveshaft? Or can can I switch to the one piece driveshaft.

 

[Captain Ledd]

What year vehicle did you get the one-piece shaft out of?

The axle flange should be in pretty much the same spot, maybe try holding it up next to it? I know that might be cumbersome, would be easier with a friend to lend a hand.

 

[Trucker mike]

Axle, springs, drive shaft and disk brakes came from a 98 explorer.

 

[adsm08]

What transmission do you have?

If you have any of the stock manual transmissions from 86 it will be about 2 inches.

If you have an A4LD you should be good to go.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I did nothing for my driveshaft length when I swapped from a 7.5 to an ex 8.8.

I did have to drill and tap holes for the smaller flange bolt pattern in the pinion flange though.