8.8 swap check list

[93shortbox]

I have a 93 Ranger and the rear end is crapping out on me. I plan to swap in an 8.8 soon. Trying to kill three birds with one stone; rid the vibration, rear disc, and lower it. What will I need to accomplish this? Different U-bolts? Will the brake lines hook up to the factory rear hose? Can I use the 7.5 drive shaft pinion flange? E-brake?

 

[93shortbox]

Bump

 

[disciplerocks]

Brake lines will fit fine. If you are going to lower it, then you can leave it spring under. And as far as u-bolts, you could use Explorer u-bolts and plates. Not sure if you can mount your shocks to them though. If not I would get some F150 u-bolts and plates as they are the same width, but the plates don't have the shock mounts on them.

 

[93shortbox]

That is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you.

 

[disciplerocks]

Your welcome. I missed the part about the driveshaft. I did what this guy did. You can also go to a driveline shop and have an adapter made.

http://therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46418&highlight=1210

 

[93shortbox]

Would it be possible to use the explorer yoke and a different u-joint? If so what u-joint should I use?

 

[corrond56]

I am not sure with your year but with mine I had to change the brakes. Check where your brake line drops down to the axle from the chasis. On mine it dropped down in the center. On the explorer axle I got the brake line came down from the driver side (I think) so I had to buy two passenger side lines and run hard lines to the center where my stock one came down.

edit:
I used two passenger side ones because the driver side contained the split for the brake lines that sent fluid to both sides, where as my ranger had a block that sent fluid out to the two different sides on top of the differential.

 

[AllanD]

I have a 93 Ranger and the rear end is crapping out on me. I plan to swap in an 8.8 soon. Trying to kill three birds with one stone; rid the vibration, rear disc, and lower it. What will I need to accomplish this? Different U-bolts? Will the brake lines hook up to the factory rear hose? Can I use the 7.5 drive shaft pinion flange? E-brake?

On a 1993 replacing a 7.5 with a Ranger 8.8" axle?

It bolts right in.

The 8.8" rear WILL have 10" brakes
Your current 7.5" probably has 9" brakes.

If you need to buy replacement drums LIE to the guy at the auto parts and tell him you have a 1994 4.0AWD Aerostar.

that way you'll get the FINNED 10" drums.

AD

 

[93shortbox]

I just realized I should have posted this thread in the non-ranger axles section.

 

[scotts90ranger]

the explorer 8.8 is close enough, everyone here knows what it is, and a good bit of info about it...

 

[93shortbox]

Well I got it in there and it was 100% bolt in. In hind sight I probably could have used the explorer brake lines they were plenty long. I got about 5.5 inches of drop out of it. The only snag I hit was after I got it back on the ground the axle was 1/4 inch away from the frame. I ordered a 2.5 inch mini notch tonight I hope it will be here soon because this is my daily driver. BTW 4 wheel disc kicks ass.

 

[disciplerocks]

Glad to hear it

 

[bigblockford79]

Don't forget that the disc brake 8.8" is 1.5" wider than the drum 93+ 8.8. This may not cause any issue for your application, but just giving the heads up so you aren't surprised after the "point of no return".



8.8 Users:

Ranger 4.0 1990-1992

Width is same as other pre-93 axles, 28 spline
3.08 (4x2), 3.55, 3.73 and 4.10 (4x4) factory ratios
Either limited slip or open differential
10" drum brakes


Ranger 4.0 1993+
B4000 1994+

Width is same as other 93+ axles (1.5" wider than pre 93), 28 spline
Ratios and differential options as noted above


Ranger FX4 2002+

Width is same as other 93+ axles, 31 spline
4.10's and Torsen limited slip from factory


Explorer 1990-1994
Navajo

Width is 1.5" wider than 93+ Ranger, 3" wider than pre-93, 31 spline
Spring perches must be fabricated and welded on top
Stock spring perches can be used to lower the truck (like a flip kit)
Shock mounts must be fabricated and welded on
Very common to find ltd. Slip, usually 3.73 or 4.10 (4x4) gears

Explorer 1995-2001
Mountaineer

Same as above, also has rear discs

 

[mhughes165]

Well I got it in there and it was 100% bolt in. In hind sight I probably could have used the explorer brake lines they were plenty long. I got about 5.5 inches of drop out of it. The only snag I hit was after I got it back on the ground the axle was 1/4 inch away from the frame. I ordered a 2.5 inch mini notch tonight I hope it will be here soon because this is my daily driver. BTW 4 wheel disc kicks ass.

ya, that does suck lol, i did that shit all the time for people, but i just ordered the adjustable air shocks u can get from advance auto, put them to 150 pnds, take out the bump stops and call it a day lol

 

[93shortbox]

It's a 1/4 from the frame with bump stops removed it might as well be just be resting on the axle. Anyway do you guys think a 2.5 inch notch will be enough for my suspension to travel I don't ever haul anything with it just daily drive it?