explorer 8.8 cost to install?

[renton]

I have a 05 Ranger with 3.0. I tow a lot of garbage with it for work using both a trailer and stuff in the bed. I'm thinking when I get the money I would like a 8.8 axle with limited slip and higher gearing. I understand the Explorer 8.8 is much beefier but it sounds like it takes a fair bit of fabrication work to get it installed. Any idea how much a shop would charge to swap it for me? I don't have the space or tools to do it. I don't see the point of getting the 28 spline 8.8 since it has the same load carrying rating but it would be easier to swap.

 

[redhurricane]

First off, identify what you have. can you read the axle code?

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Ford-8_8-axle.shtml

 

[renton]

I have the 7.5 axle with 3.73 gears

 

[scotts90ranger]

Where are you at? A shop would probably charge a fair amount, probably ~6 hours of labor at ~$100/hr, if there's someone close to you it isn't that big of a job if they have the tools... For example they make flip kit brackets for the F150 that work to put the spring perches in the right spot to put a Explorer axle under a Ranger so the only modification needed is to weld on shock mounts, and some minor brake line work if you want to go to rear discs...

 

[BLOODBANE]

Find the Ranger (28 spline) axle and swap it over. No fab work involved. if your hauling enough to worry about breaking an axle, you need to upgrade to a bigger truck. The only reason I went with a Explorer 8.8 in my Ranger is 1. Cost (mine was free) and 2. I am running 36's in the rocks (severe beatings on that axle), and 3. Im running a high HP engine
(425 hp, 347 stoker with lockers in the axle).