91' rear end?

[allpau2thou]

Will the rear end from a 93 ford mustang 5.0 lx. 8.8 4lug with drum brakes. 3.27 gearing work in my 91' Ranger super cab?

 

[kirk3000]

It will... But its narrower, different bolt pattern, set up for a 4-link, and is not worth the hassle. Get a ranger or explorer rear end.
I think the mustang has 28 spline axles, so nothing special.
But the carrier (except explorer) and gears (all 3) are interchangeable.
Use the search function.

 

[allpau2thou]

Cool, Thanks. Is there a specific year range I can find posi rear in for the ranger/explorer?

 

[kirk3000]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

 

[Teddyzee]

Just for kicks, a Mustang rear is wider... And Mustang 8.8s come in three widths from '87(?) to '04.

 

[allpau2thou]

My ranger has the open 8.8" with 3.08 gears. I need a Posi rear right? And what about a more narrow rear axl so I could put on a wider tirre?

 

[baddad457]

My ranger has the open 8.8" with 3.08 gears. I need a Posi rear right? ONLY IF YOU WANT ONE And what about a more narrow rear axl so I could put on a wider tirre?

You can often fit a wider tire by carfully choosing a wider wheel with a deeper backspacing.

 

[baddad457]

It will... But its narrower,.

Nope, the Mustang 8.8's are a LOT wider.

 

[allpau2thou]

Ok. I do want posi. The explorer 8.8 needs to be modified. Is there a posi that fits a 91 ranger without any fabrications? If so in what year make and model can it be found!

 

[baddad457]

You can swap the traction loc differential from a Mustang GT into your 8.8 rear, no need to swap the whole rearend. This can be done in a half a day on your own, with no special tools. You will need instuctions on checking the ring gear pattern after you put it back together, I don't think you'll need to change the pinion depth afterwards. Basically what you'll be doing is removing the rear cover, pull the C-clip off the axles, pull the axles. Unbolt the four bolts holding the differential in the housing, then swap your ring gear between the open diff to the trac loc diff, then put it back together. Then check the wear pattern on the ring gear teeth and make adjustments as necessary.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Or just find a Ranger 8.8 with factory limited slip and swap the whole axle assembly.

'93+ are a little wider, actually they are the same width as the front. From the factory the front does not match the rear in width on first and second generation trucks.

 

[allpau2thou]

What model/year ranger had the 8.8 limited slip?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You have to look at the tag, AFAIK it was available throughout the Ranger's production. Some heavier rated 3.0 trucks and all 4.0's have the 8.8 rear axle.

If there is an L between the gear ratio designation like 3L73 means 3.73 gears with a limited slip. The best way (in case somebody got cute switching tags) is to pull off the cover and look for the big S spring wedged in the carrier.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

The very first year FX4 (2002 I believe) and the FX4 Level II's after that had a Torson gear type limited slip with 31 spine axles. Not really common to happen apoun.

 

[allpau2thou]

Or just find a Ranger 8.8 with factory limited slip and swap the whole axle assembly.

'93+ are a little wider, actually they are the same width as the front. From the factory the front does not match the rear in width on first and second generation trucks.

I like this idea but I think it's a little over my head at the moment. I have my hands full swapping the motors...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I like this idea but I think it's a little over my head at the moment. I have my hands full swapping the motors...

Also of note then is the later trucks (I think newer than 91) use a bigger U-joint on the rear, so keep that in mind before you have your driveshaft made.

Pretty simple swap really, just the eight nuts that hold the axle to the spring, two bolts for the shocks and four bolts for the driveshaft. You will probably want/need to pull it all apart and change the clutches in it though.