8.8 swap into 2gen ranger

[88ranger2.95sp]

I tried a quick search but didn't find the exact answer that I was looking for.

I'm considering building a cheap trail slut. If this happens, many pictures and a thread will follow

I have a 2gen ranger (not sure what year exactly, 90-92) std cab long bed 2.9 5sp elect. T-case. D35 front (manual hubs), 7.5 rear. 3.73 (?) gears. The cab's shot and it's good for nothing but a firewood truck now.

Basically I want to cut the fenders, weld the diffs Fr + Rr, throw on some 33's, get longer shocks, extend the radius arms, and beat the piss out of it. Budget is set around $500.

The first thing I have to worry about is an 8.8 swap in the rear. They're super common around here in Buffalo and I have the capability to do it. Will it bolt right up? Or will I need a conversion U-Joint or something? I'm not worried about disc brakes or anything; and 28 splines will do.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

A 28 spline 8.8 has the same exact shafts that the truck has right now, the same as a 7.5.

 

[4x4junkie]

8.8" from a '90-'92 Ranger should bolt right in no problem (at the most you might need to swap the u-joint flange on your driveshaft for one that has the larger bolt pattern).

Later 8.8s will also bolt in, although they are 2" wider overall at the wheel flanges.

 

[pimtool]

I swapped in an 8.8 from a 93 explorer, all I did was weld on spring perches and shock mounts. Drive shaft bolted right on. I have a 90 supercab.

 

[AllanD]

ANY ranger 8.8" is a direct bolt in except the Rare 31-spline FX4-Level2 axle
and that will only require the unique spring plates and U-bolts

Yeah, the Gen3/Gen4 axle is 2" wider but it bolts right in.

I was actually running 235's on a gen3 axle in a 2wd Gen1
with only minimal rubbing, so it really isn't a clearance issue either.

If you REALLY want to run 33's I'd recommend an explorer axle, mabey
you don't need the '95-up Explorer Disc brake axle, so get a '91-94 Drum
brake axle... the extra security of the fatter 31-spline shafts is nice to have....

And the minimal welding required...

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