7.5 to 8.8 Swap (Components)

[85_Ranger4x4]

Any Ranger axle will bolt in, but any 8.8 and 7.5s made after 1990 will not have the correct bolt spacing on the companion flange. You will need a spacer or a conversion joint and a later yoke.

I drilled and tapped the smaller pattern in my 8.8 flange. I guess Mustang flanges can be had with the smaller pattern too.

 

[Kellogg]

So I found a post 1990 7.5 open with 4.10 gears for $150, would I be able to to swap my current companion flange onto this newer 7.5?

 

[GT350HR]

I have a 2002 short bed with the 7.5 and I was simply going to do the Mustang disc brake swap. With all of the brake line rework , I decided to go to the local yard and ended up with a 2001 8.8 with 4.10s ( same as the 7.5) and convert it instead , then roll it under the truck. 10" drum brakes and factory sway bar. I already had a Mustang 8.8 t lock unit so while the axles were coming out anyway, I pulled the open and the pinion to install a solid pinion bearing spacer and the Mustang t lock. Pulled the anti lock ring off of the open and pressed it onto the t lock and popped it back into place. Back lash was spot on. I took this opportunity to install the Ford Racing ( production part too) aluminum finned cover. The instructions say it will not fit a diff that has the anti lock ring , and unless you use a die grinder to remove the offending internal fin , it won't . After ten minuted of "persuasion" from the die grinder the offending fin was lowered enough to allow the cover to bolt on perfectly. Another option ( which I did test fit) is the cover from a T bird IRS and that gives a mounting provision for a bolt on snatch hook.

Do I have to recallibrate for the 8.8 anti lock ring versus the 7.5 piece?

Started doing the disc conversion and it looks like I have to space the caliper toward the wheel a bit to "center the caliber " over the rotor. I believe that is normal and nothing to worry about. Once that is sorted , I will move to the brake line adjustments and finally the spacers to allow use of the stock e brake cables. Then I'll roll it under and start spinning wrenches to bolt it in. That will leave the 7.5 4.10 open with 9 or 10" ( or both) up to a needy person here in So Cal for pick up only . Nothing removed and the 10" brakes will be included.
Randy