8.8 diff

[werewolf]

Question on a 8.8 rear axle. I can get a rear axle for free,all i have to do is take it out. it's in a 93 ranger 4.0 auto.trans. Stander cab , i checked the tag. if i'm reading it right it's a code 92. should be 8.8 2750 lb and 3.08 gears. gears are way to tall, if i get it it's going in my 1987 2.9 five speed 4x4 ranger. Out with 7.5, is it worth it. the gears would need to come down to at least 4.10. Or try to find one out if a explorer.

 

[Curious Hound]

The only advantage I see would be if you plan on upgrading the 8.8 with 31 spline shafts and carrier. Otherwise, you are just getting a bigger housing with shafts of the same rating as your 7.5". It depends on your future plans, budget and mechanical skills. You can upgrade the shafts and carrier, but it will cost.

I recommend that you read more of the tech articles concerning the differences between the axles (7.5 vs 8.8, 28 spline vs 31 spline, etc), then research cost and availability of parts to get the axle to the condition you really want. That will tell you if it is worth the effort and money.

Ultimately, it is your decision, not ours.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I had to pull my Explorer 8.8 and it cost me $100 and came with the springs.

It had 3.73's (with trak-lok), they did have 4.10's too. A set of gears is what $2-300 + install?

 

[AgPete139]

Honestly, if you don't beat on your Ranger, the 7.5" will be fine. It'll probably be too much hassle for no additional gain. Sure, the 8.8" is stronger with larger drum brakes, but if you aren't pushing your truck's reliability, it's not worth doing (especially if you have to swap gear ratios, pinion depth & shimming, etc.) Save your money.

The 96+ Explorer axles are the preferred axles to directly swap in. However, you'll need to reweld your shock mounts and leaf spring perches to SOA.

 

[AllanD]

Question on a 8.8 rear axle. I can get a rear axle for free,all i have to do is take it out. it's in a 93 ranger 4.0 auto.trans. Stander cab , i checked the tag. if i'm reading it right it's a code 92. should be 8.8 2750 lb and 3.08 gears. gears are way to tall, if i get it it's going in my 1987 2.9 five speed 4x4 ranger. Out with 7.5, is it worth it. the gears would need to come down to at least 4.10. Or try to find one out if a explorer.

4.10's in an 8.8 are good combo for a 2.9/5speed with 235/75 tires I was happy with that combo for years.
until my last spare 2.9 died...


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[85_Ranger4x4]

Honestly, if you don't beat on your Ranger, the 7.5" will be fine. It'll probably be too much hassle for no additional gain. Sure, the 8.8" is stronger with larger drum brakes, but if you aren't pushing your truck's reliability, it's not worth doing (especially if you have to swap gear ratios, pinion depth & shimming, etc.) Save your money.

The 96+ Explorer axles are the preferred axles to directly swap in. However, you'll need to reweld your shock mounts and leaf spring perches to SOA.

I mainly swapped mine for the limited slip. The one I found was geared correctly out of the box. I didn't have any qualms with the drum brakes on my 7.5 but the disk brakes were kind of a neat addition too.