'85 Ranger 4x4 Explorer 8.8 Axle Swap

[andyh13]

Hello guys,

I see that the 8.8 axle for the '95-'03 explorer fits rangers. Does this include the '85 model year? Most people I see asking the question have '88+.

This would be very convenient, since I have also been considering a disc brake conversion.

Thanks!

 

[yostyexplorer94]

It won't bolt in. You will have to buy spring perches and weld them to the axle.

You may have to do something to bolt the driveshaft up

Link for more info

The Ford Explorer 8.8-Inch Axle Swap

www.therangerstation.com

 

[bobbywalter]

welding is ideal.






it can bolt in.

straight bolts and 2 passenger side plates from explorers for shock mounts. there is a 2 pattern yoke or swap a conversion joint.


cake.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You need shock mounts too. Mine is all welded, I got the spring perches and shock mounts from Ruffstuff.

 

[fastpakr]

Same (though mine isn't actually installed yet). The kit makes it pretty straight forward. Still need to remove the old pieces and figure out where the new ones are going, but once they're welded in you're good to go.

 

[andyh13]

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[bobbywalter]

You need shock mounts too. Mine is all welded, I got the spring perches and shock mounts from Ruffstuff.

with the 2 passenger side explorer spring plates and straight bolts you have the shock mounts...

no welding.

you can do it with simple c channel like i always did as well....

 

[Shran]

there is a 2 pattern yoke or swap a conversion joint.

One small detail to add here: there is no 1210 to 1310 conversion joint available to my knowledge. Ran into that with my 8.8 swap years ago. I just drilled and tapped the 8.8 flange to bolt up my 1210 style yoke.

 

[fastpakr]

The 7.5 and 8.8 have different connections for the driveshaft u-joint? I didn't realize that.

 

[Shran]

Depends on the year... but yes. Everything prior to 1989 had 1210 u-joints in the rear shafts and some post '89 did too. The 1210 flange has a smaller bolt pattern than the later 1310 flanges, although there is a "big" 1310 flange and a "small" 1310 flange.

 

[fastpakr]

Gotcha. So it may not apply to my '99 at all.

 

[Shran]

Correct. This is just one of those weird 1st/2nd gen quirks.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

One small detail to add here: there is no 1210 to 1310 conversion joint available to my knowledge. Ran into that with my 8.8 swap years ago. I just drilled and tapped the 8.8 flange to bolt up my 1210 style yoke.

I drilled and tapped mine too. Now I have the bigger shaft though.

 

[bobbywalter]

There is flange with the big and small bolt pattern that goes on the diff.

I sometimes swap just the slip to 1310 and invert the shaft. 1210 one end and 1310 the other.