Explorer 8.8 pinion and relocation question

[crawlin91]

I got an 94 explorer 8.8 no carrier no gears. Id like to get Yukon 4.56's and an ARB(having a shop do that). But I think I can do the install of the axle itself.
How does one go about setting pinion angles when installing the new axle? Is it all in where you relocate the spring pads?

Also whats the best/easiest way to do the new shock mounts? I would like them to be mounted above the axle for more clearance. If you have pics it would be cool to see what you came up with.

 

[Explorin94]

When you do this axle are you going to any kind of lift? If you are how much? It would be better to mock the axle up first and see where you need to put the pads, make the bottom angle of te axle amtch the driveshaft. Get an angle gage and set it that way. I bought mine from Harbour Freight and it works good. Take the angle of you current axle first if you are not doing any kind of lift. Get new spring pads and weld them on, don't reuse the old ones as you won't get the old ones off right. If it is an Explorer axle that has the brackets for the sway bar you can use those for your lower spring mounts. It has three holes and you can use the upper or lower holes (depends on which one you want) with 4 inch lift shocks.

 

[crawlin91]

When you do this axle are you going to any kind of lift? If you are how much? It would be better to mock the axle up first and see where you need to put the pads, make the bottom angle of te axle amtch the driveshaft. Get an angle gage and set it that way. I bought mine from Harbour Freight and it works good. Take the angle of you current axle first if you are not doing any kind of lift. Get new spring pads and weld them on, don't reuse the old ones as you won't get the old ones off right. If it is an Explorer axle that has the brackets for the sway bar you can use those for your lower spring mounts. It has three holes and you can use the upper or lower holes (depends on which one you want) with 4 inch lift shocks.

Yeah sorry. I did a search on it but I am putting a 6" lift on the truck and was curious if that would change things. Will probably use the brackets like you said, I am pretty sure they are still on there.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

My plan was to yank the old axle out, get the pinion set level and measure the angle of the pads... then replicate the same pad angle on the 8.8. Lift kits correct the pinion angle, so I figure having it set the same as stock would keep anything that would work in a stock application working with this application.

I got my angle finder at Home Depot for about $10, haven't used it yet though.

If it is an Explorer axle that has the brackets for the sway bar you can use those for your lower shock mounts. It has three holes and you can use the upper or lower holes (depends on which one you want) with 4 inch lift shocks.

Is that what you meant?

I have been scheming on this too, I was just going to replicate my stock ones out of a piece of channel iron. I wasn't going to get to serious until I got the axle in the truck though and see what lined up and what didn't.

 

[crawlin91]

My plan was to yank the old axle out, get the pinion set level and measure the angle of the pads... then replicate the same pad angle on the 8.8. Lift kits correct the pinion angle, so I figure having it set the same as stock would keep anything that would work in a stock application working with this application.

I got my angle finder at Home Depot for about $10, haven't used it yet though.



Is that what you meant?

I have been scheming on this too, I was just going to replicate my stock ones out of a piece of channel iron. I wasn't going to get to serious until I got the axle in the truck though and see what lined up and what didn't.

That does sound like it would work, just setting the angle to stock standards. I grew up in Norfolk, NE by the way. And have a brother stationed at Offut AFB.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

That does sound like it would work, just setting the angle to stock standards. I grew up in Norfolk, NE by the way. And have a brother stationed at Offut AFB.

I have been to Norfolk a few times, I think the last time was in college when we toured the steel mill.

I drive by Offutt almost every Friday to avoid the traffic on I-80, small world huh?

 

[Hahnsb2]

My plan was to yank the old axle out, get the pinion set level and measure the angle of the pads... then replicate the same pad angle on the 8.8. Lift kits correct the pinion angle, so I figure having it set the same as stock would keep anything that would work in a stock application working with this application.
.

Exactly how I would do it.

 

[Explorin94]

My plan was to yank the old axle out, get the pinion set level and measure the angle of the pads... then replicate the same pad angle on the 8.8. Lift kits correct the pinion angle, so I figure having it set the same as stock would keep anything that would work in a stock application working with this application.

I got my angle finder at Home Depot for about $10, haven't used it yet though.



Is that what you meant?

I have been scheming on this too, I was just going to replicate my stock ones out of a piece of channel iron. I wasn't going to get to serious until I got the axle in the truck though and see what lined up and what didn't.

I just reread what I posted and yeah that is what I meant. I originally had them on the spring plate after the axle flip. The shocks were too long and bottomed out. Moved them to the lower holes and have been satisfied since.

 

[Explorin94]

That does sound like it would work, just setting the angle to stock standards. I grew up in Norfolk, NE by the way. And have a brother stationed at Offut AFB.

I know it is not much but I put +5 degrees on the perches.