Compatibility question...

[freakypierced1]

I have a 93 ranger with the 8.8 open diff. with 3.08 gears. I want to make it l/s with 3.73's. I have the carrier from another 8.8. My question is this. Can I use the ring and pinion gears from a Ford Explorer since they are 31 spline and not 28? And did they make a 2wd ranger with 8.8 l/s 3.73s? I really would just like to find a complete rear end that will interchange with mine with no mods. Any help is appreciated!

 

[4x4junkie]

I really would just like to find a complete rear end that will interchange with mine with no mods. Any help is appreciated!

They're out there, although not as often in 2WDs. Fortunately the 8.8s in 4WDs are 100% identical, and will bolt right into your truck.
3.73 geared L/S 8.8s are common in '93-current 4WD Rangers (4.0L only '93-'97, 3.0 & 4.0L for '98up).

4.10 L/S 8.8s can be found in some '98up trucks as well.

 

[freakypierced1]

cool. thanks for the help

 

[Mac]

Best thing I have found on the net for parts is www.car-part.com for what ever you would want.
Dave

 

[AllanD]

The ring and pinion are the same in all 8.8" rears.

the spline count only affects the axles shafts, bearings, and carrier/Diff unit

AD

 

[freakypierced1]

Ok, I found a rear end out of a '92 ranger 4x4. 8.8 3.73's l/s. I read on here that pre '93 axles were a total of 2" shorter than '93 and up. So does this mean this rear end isn't going to work???

 

[scotts90ranger]

it'll work, the tires will just be in a little compared to now...

 

[travisswett]

I think it is 3 inches differnce

from what i have read on here. It is 3 inches can someone verify the axle distance from the pre 93 and the 93 < 8.8 I am looking at buying a 96 explorer 8.8 and installing it in a 92 ranger. have the same concern just 3 inches wider or how much wider would it be.

 

[4x4junkie]

The difference is 3" between early ('92down) Ranger axles and Explorer axles.

It's 2" between early & later Ranger axles (meaning a 1" difference between later Ranger & Explorer axles).

 

[travisswett]

Hmm.

1.5" extra lenth on each axle won't work for me. Time to go to plan b. maybe a 4x4 ls rear end.