compatibility quesion!

[wellcom2knoxvile]

i have a 1996 4x4 with a 4.0
i am pretty sure that i have a 8.8 28 spline rear axle. it has drums. i am getting 35s soon and want disc brakes. i know the option of getting an exploder rear 8.8 31 spline with discs. but am wondering if i can put discs on my axel, or would it be easier to swap.
also i cant decide on gears. 4.56 or 4.88


i live in seattle, i drive city, highway, wheel alot!, and hills. so i need the best overall performance and good fuel economy!!

any advice???

thanks
-Carl

 

[Beanmachine7000]

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe 28 and 31spl brake assemblies are different...

 

[AllanD]

The outer ends of the axle tubes are physically different

The Disc brake backing plates use a larger diameter flange on the outer ends of the axle tubes.

If you are going to 4.56 ot 4.88 gears you'd really be best
served by using a complete Explorer axle assembly and having the
necissary welding done to it to make it a "bolt in"
(new spring perches on the tops of the tubes plus shock mounts)

The explorer axles shafts don't only have larger splines,
but are fatter at the wheel bearings, they use the same
axle bearings as an F-150/FSB.

In addition the axle track width is ~1.5" wider than the
Gen3-up Ranger axle assembly, and a wider axle aids
stability and rollover resistance off road.

While theoretically you could track down one of the relatively
rare FX4-Leven2 axle assemblies which were normal ranger width,
but used the 31-spline shafts and bearings If I personally aquired
one of these axles I'd sell it. Why? because even though the
explorer disc setup is literally a "bolt on" to this axle, it is narrower
than the explorer axle.

But even that isn't my real reason for not wanting to use it...
Axle shafts in ford integral axles use the bare surface of the
shaft as the inner bearing journal, shafts don't live forever.

Using an FX4 axle denies a source of replacement shafts...
The ubiquitous Ford explorers that were made in FAR greater
numbers than Rangers let alone the FX4 Level2 trucks.



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