8.8 and Dana 28 combo question

[Leadchunker]

I bought an 8.8 rear end from a 97 Explorer for my 84 Bronco II. I know it is about 3" wider than the Dana 28, is it worth the money to find a Dana 35 or can I set up to run the Dana 28 as long as the gear ratios match. I got the 8.8 with 3.73 gears and disc brakes for $100. I just thought it was a good deal. I still need to get a flange to connect the drive shaft and do some fabricating on the spring perches.

 

[4.0B2]

you can use the d28 as long as its geared the same.


personally, i say don't spend ANY more on the d28... just find a 3.73 d35 in a junkyard and swap it out. its basically a bolt in swap. a d35 is a HUGE step up over a d28.

 

[88_Eddie]

^
that, depends on what you're planning on doing with the truck too. the d28 is a giant turd though, def dont pay to have it regeared

 

[4.0B2]

if you have any pull a parts or u pull it type places around you... find a d35 3.73, its easier than a regear and if you can get a good axle, its probably cheaper or just as cheap as a regear.

 

[trail B2]

A 35 is money well spent.

 

[Leadchunker]

Thank you for the advice, there is a pull a part about 15 miles from my house. One other question, will the rough country 4" lift work with the 8.8 and dana 35? I am taking the body off the frame next week and thought I would replace the body mounts and paint the frame. Figured I might put a lift on while the body is off.

 

[4x4junkie]

Should work fine. Only thing would be if you get new rear axle u-bolts, they'd have to be for an Explorer or F-150, not a BII or Ranger (larger axle tubes).
Have you looked at the Skyjacker or James Duff lifts at all? (or even Tuff Country?) I ask only because Rough Country's lift is known for damaging D35 axle housings.


Also just a FYI, the Ex 8.8" is 1.5" wider than the D28 (59.5" vs 58" for the BII axles). The D35 is 59.5" wide, but mounts the same as the D28.

 

[Totalled]

I used early bronco application u bolts for mine with the AAL installed. Stock explorer 8.8 u-bolts will work fine if you run standard leaf packs with no block.

 

[Leadchunker]

Thanks for the information, I will check out the other lift kits.

 

[RangerBoy94]

Go for the James duff 3 inch stage 1.
http://www.jamesduff.com/broncoII/4wdsusp.html

 

[4.0B2]

Go for the James duff 3 inch stage 1.
http://www.jamesduff.com/broncoII/4wdsusp.html

knowing what i know now... i probably would have and then just extended the stock arms.

 

[Leadchunker]

I have found a Dana 35 with the gear ratio to match my 8.8, the only problem is it has automatic hubs. I think it is from a 96 or 97 Explorer. Can I use this on my Bronco II and change the hubs to manual hubs or do I have to use a 91-94????

 

[88_Eddie]

I have found a Dana 35 with the gear ratio to match my 8.8, the only problem is it has automatic hubs. I think it is from a 96 or 97 Explorer. Can I use this on my Bronco II and change the hubs to manual hubs or do I have to use a 91-94????

explorers only came with D35's from 91-94. rangers had them until 97. you can swap out the auto hubs for manuals for less than $100.

 

[4x4junkie]

explorers only came with TTB D35's from 91-94. rangers had them until 97. you can swap out the auto hubs for manuals for less than $100.

^^
Small correction

'95up still have D35s, but not one that would work under a BII.
I suspect he may have the year wrong though, as '95up ones also don't have auto hubs, they either have a CAD unit, or nothing at all.

 

[88_Eddie]

^^
Small correction

'95up still have D35s, but not one that would work under a BII.
I suspect he may have the year wrong though, as '95up ones also don't have auto hubs, they either have a CAD unit, or nothing at all.

true, but in the OP he was talking about replacing his D28, so i didnt figure he was trying to throw an IFS setup in there