8.8 explorer to ranger question

[dirk_dirk]

from what ive found if i can get a 8.8 out of a ranger to bolt up to my 99 ranger that came with the 7.5... but i want to run the 31 spline 8.8. does anyone know if i can run the housing for the ranger 8.8 and explorer axel shafts... i know the axels are longer on the explorer but im wondering if it is just the brakes that make the difference in length... i got a deal on a 31 spline locker so i am goin to make it work! so i guess in short what im asking will a ranger 8.8 axel take 31 spline shafts out of an explorer if i use the explorer brakes and baking plate... i honestly dont car even if i stick with the drums...

anyway thanks for your time and any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sunk]

Nope you need the whole explorer axle. The outer bearings are different and so are the carriers.

 

[dirk_dirk]

damn i was hoping i could use the explorer bearings and carrier in the ranger axle
.

 

[legoms013]

nope, the housing are different like Sunk said.

 

[4x4junkie]

You can do it if you get custom 31-spline shafts made with smaller journals to fit a Ranger housing, though if you ever were to have an issue with it in the future, junkyard replacement shafts won't be an option.

 

[brinker88]

^ I dont think you could justify the price of that though, could you? I mean, I can get a complete expo axle with 4.10s from the jy for $250. I dont think that you could get custom shafts made for that price.

 

[4x4junkie]

I had custom shafts made for mine way back in '96 for ~$250 (Moser). I'm not sure what it would cost today though (most likely it'll be more now). It still would get you around the having to weld the perches part though if you don't have the means to do it yourself.

Back then Explorer axles (especially disc ones) were still $$$ and $250 seemed like a good deal to me. I've had no issues out of it except for one time the ARB locker blew up which consequently chewed up & ruined one of the shafts (which meant I had no choice but to order up a replacement from Moser, or go back to 28 spline).

 

[dirk_dirk]

i found an explorer axle today with new brakes for 150... drum brakes but i dont care...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You can do it if you get custom 31-spline shafts made with smaller journals to fit a Ranger housing, though if you ever were to have an issue with it in the future, junkyard replacement shafts won't be an option.

Don't the newer Mustangs use the 31spl carrier with the smaller axle bearings?

 

[4x4junkie]

Don't the newer Mustangs use the 31spl carrier with the smaller axle bearings?

Not sure on that one... I thought they're all 28 spline unless it's a Cobra model, in which case newer ones would be IRS. Maybe someone more familiar with 'Stangs can chime in.