Easiest rear axle swap with discs

[partin_us_99]

Hey yall im lookin to swap out my stock 8.8 with drums for another 31 spline axle with discs. I wanted to see if anyone knows the best axle for this that requires the least amount of fab to fit under my stock width ranger. Its a 94 xlt super cab and the drum setup is rusted and f$#ked. Let me know if you have any suggestions or insight. Thanks

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Explorer is the only one that came with the 31 spline 8.8" WEll I think F150's may have had them too but you want a 95+ explorer rear end. Then you have to relocate the spring perches and weld on shock tabs.

 

[disciplerocks]

Agreed. If you want 31 spline, you will have to use a Ex axle. And the spring perches need moved and shock mounts need added. Unless you go full width on an F150 8.8, but I don't think they had disc brakes.

 

[mhughes165]

Agreed. If you want 31 spline, you will have to use a Ex axle. And the spring perches need moved and shock mounts need added. Unless you go full width on an F150 8.8, but I don't think they had disc brakes.

not until the body style change into 98 did they have disc brakes in the rear factory.
IF u can get the rear from a FX4 its 31 spline and already spring over....but thats money at most yards.

the explorer axle is the most common swap, and by knowing the axle codes, id go shopping and put together rears with 4.10s, you would be suprised at how easy they are to find

 

[ChrisR1S]

Yeah an FX4 8.8 is bolt-in with 31splines, but drums not discs. I hunted for one with 4.10s for a while and never could find one less than $500 from a yard.

I found my explorer axle for i believe it was $150 complete. Putting on the perches and shock mounts is pretty easy, just make sure you know what degree you need to weld the perches on at. And with the explorer axle the parking brake hookup is pretty easy as well, just be sure to snag the parking brake cables from the ex