Explorer 8.8 disc brake swap

[Maverick]

I have both a drum and disc brake Explorer 8.8's laying around. What's involved in swapping the disc brake set up to the drum brake housing? Is it as easy as removing the drum hardware and backing plate and replacing it with the disc components? Or is there differences in the housing or axle shafts? If I had both of them available to look at and tear down I wouldn't be asking this question, but my disc brake 8.8 is buried in storage.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

They are the same housing and shafts....swap away.

 

[Maverick]

Sweet cakes.

 

[4.0B2]

yep very simple. i did this b/c the disc brake housing was slightly bent.

 

[4x4junkie]

I thought I read somewhere the centering pilot on the axle flange was a different size on some years. Though if so, it'd only be a matter of switching the shafts.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I know the pilot on the 28 spline is smaller than the 31 spline.

My 28 spline drums would not fit on the 31 spline shafts.

 

[88_Eddie]

what about master cylinders? thought i read somewhere they needed to be swapped as well

 

[mhughes165]

master cylinder swap is not needed, stops just fine as is, infact my b2 will put me through the windshield if i stab on the brakes lol

 

[88_Eddie]

master cylinder swap is not needed, stops just fine as is, infact my b2 will put me through the windshield if i stab on the brakes lol

sweeeeeeeeet.....i wasnt gonna convert mine b/c i thought i needed a new MC

 

[4x4junkie]

I know the pilot on the 28 spline is smaller than the 31 spline.

My 28 spline drums would not fit on the 31 spline shafts.

Maybe that's what it was then (or someone confusing the 28 spline stuff with Ex axles)


As for the MC, I didn't change mine either when I put a '99 Ex axle in mine. Seems to be fine, no issues.
I've read reports if you don't have rear ABS, then you might need to swap the MC, though I have no personal experience with non-RABS trucks.

 

[mhughes165]

Maybe that's what it was then (or someone confusing the 28 spline stuff with Ex axles)


As for the MC, I didn't change mine either when I put a '99 Ex axle in mine. Seems to be fine, no issues.
I've read reports if you don't have rear ABS, then you might need to swap the MC, though I have no personal experience with non-RABS trucks.

ya, come to think of it i dont think ive owned a pre 87 rbv so they all have had rabs, maybe someone without rabs has a idea