8.8 to 7.5 axle swap

[kelly]

I have a 98 ranger with a 8.8 rear axle. I want to replace the 8.8 with an axle from a 1988 ranger which is a 7.5. I have had trouble finding a rear end from a late model and i have this one from ma parts unit. Can I swap these units with our running into problems. What about the ABS brakes? Does both of these axles have the ABS system?

 

[KELLY88]

I just have to ask why would you want to downgrade to a 7.5?

 

[kelly]

axle change out

I am just looking for a quick solution to getting my grandson back on the road until I run across a newer axle assy.

 

[KELLY88]

What happened to the 8.8?

 

[Ranger44]

I just have to ask why would you want to downgrade to a 7.5?

The 28 spline 8.8 is a "glorified" 7.5.....It's really only slightly stronger.

But one question, what engine does the truck have?

 

[4x4junkie]

The '88 axle is narrower. The driveshaft flange is also smaller.

Look for a '93up axle for your '98.

 

[Mutant Pony]

The '88 should have the ABS sensor in the rear. If it doesn't, not only will the ABS not work but, niether will the speedo.
It would probably be easier to fix the 8.8 tho.

 

[mkpecor]

i have a 88 ranger and it dose not have ABS. find some thing out of a newer rig. good luck.

 

[bottledgt]

The 28 spline 8.8 is a "glorified" 7.5.....It's really only slightly stronger.

But one question, what engine does the truck have?

slightly my ass...

 

[metalmacguyver]

slightly my ass...

Care to elaborate on this comment???????

 

[BlackBII]

slightly my ass...

So many rude things I thought about saying in reply....lol

 

[kelly]

8.8 to 7.5 change out

The engine is a 4.0. One of the spider gears busted and got the rest of the gears. How is the quickest way to tell if the rear end has the ABS. I would assume that there would be additional wiring present on the axle.

 

[mkpecor]

you will have wires at the top of the diff.

 

[bobbywalter]

93 up is best.

otherwise you may have flange issues.


in a pinch i have made them all work...b2 explorer or any year ranger.

busted alot of 7.5/28 spline and 31 spline 8.8's. and have a few laying around of explorer variety.

 

[bottledgt]

Care to elaborate on this comment???????

well ive seen stock 8.8's hold up to 6 second passes in mustangs. now 7.5's... not even close. the axles are the same, but gears and spider gears are more than slightly stronger.