Axle width differences between stock 86 Bronco II and Explorer 31 spline and Dana 35

[Uncle Gump]

I thought I had run across some information on here that outlined the width differences in these axles.

Maybe I didn't. So the question is... are the explorer front and rear axles wider? By how much?

I'm trying to not buy new wheels and just use my 7 inch wide 4.5 backspace Alcoas on the Bronco II. I would like a bit wider stance and I really don't want to use spacers.

Thanks for any help...

 

[sgtsandman]

The rear axle on the Explorer is a bit wider because of the disc brakes but I can’t give you an exact dimension on how much wider.

I don’t think there is a difference in the front.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The Dana 35 is a little over an inch wider than the 28 if I remember right, on a Bronco II I think the explorer 8.8 is only about 3/4" wider since the BII 7.5" is wider than a Ranger... it's not enough to need to do anything goofy on a 4x4 like get new wheels or anything but they are a touch wider...

 

[Uncle Gump]

@scotts90ranger I seem to remember reading something elsewhere that says pretty much what you're saying. I know the only way for me to know is to go out and measure what I have. But then I don't have a stock unit to measure or the width numbers to compare the measurements to.

I'm really just trying to do some armchair engineering to determine how I'm getting the Bronco on 33x10.50's. For one... it keeps my mind off of my other problems in life... and I can't help but think about what @ecgreen said about his Bronco running stock wheels and 33x10.50 tires... "feels like the damn thing could tip over at any moment". While I'm up for new exciting driving experiences with the Bronco... I don't really want to white knuckle the damn thing everywhere I go.

I have a couple ways to do this... I'm just not sure the Alcoa wheels are the ones to use. I really want to widen the stance a little... can't help but think it will make it less tippy.

 

[gaz]

Uncle Gump,

It will add a solid ½" of length to each side's and the carrier will be offset a bit. You will need an Explorer flange to reuse your BII drive line with the Explorer 8.8.

Take your time relocating the new spring perches to get the most desirable pinion angle for your intended lift.