8.8 swap pinion angle question

[JamesC]

Ok I am in the middle of an 8.8 swap from a 96 explorer to an 86 regular cab short bed ranger 2wd.

My question is should I just measure the pinion angle from the 7.5 and set the 8.8 pinion angle the same? I am measuring the pinion angle by putting a level on the spring perches and using a protractor and string on the bottom of the axle where its parallel with the pinion. I'm getting a measurement of 15 degrees is that way off?

 

[chvlfrk]

Questions>>>

Ok I am in the middle of an 8.8 swap from a 96 explorer to an 86 regular cab short bed ranger 2wd.
My question is should I just measure the pinion angle from the 7.5 and set the 8.8 pinion angle the same? I am measuring the pinion angle by putting a level on the spring perches and using a protractor and string on the bottom of the axle where its parallel with the pinion. I'm getting a measurement of 15 degrees is that way off?

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Are you lowering the rearend or did you move the spring perches?

If your keepin the original setup by movin the spring perches, then just set it up the same.

If you've dropped the rearend 4" by keepin the Explorer rearend stock, then you will need around 5* pinion angle shims, that's what I used on my 94 with a 98 Explorer disc braked rearend.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[JamesC]

I am just doing a swap with no change in ride height, I might add a leaf spring to the pack but, I read the article on swapping to 8.8 in the tech section and it says he has a pinion angle of 6 degrees. I measured that I have 15 degrees I am wondering if I am measuring wrong or if 15 degrees is right.

So basically does a 86 ranger regular cab short bed 5 speed have a pinion angle of 15 degrees?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Home Depot (I imagine other home improvement stores have them too) has a fancy angle indicator for about $10, that would take a lot of the guesswork out of your measuring methods.

I am planning on setting my pinion angle up the same way, going off of the old 7.5".