explorer rear axle swap

[mazdamama]

i want to add 35's to my truck, regear it and lock it, would it be worth it for me to get an explorer rear or can i get around allright on my ranger 8.8 with 35's

 

[Ozwynn]

explorer axle would be better because the axle shafts are bigger. 31spline vs 28 spline

 

[RobinHood]

An Explorer axle would be stronger.... but l think your Ranger 8.8 is plenty strtong enough for 35's. Save your money for the gears and lockers rather than buying another 8.8. Especially since your ride is a single cab, you will be fine.

The real advantage of the Explorer axle, IMHO, are the disk brakes. Just my thoughts though.

 

[4x4junkie]

I would agree, the 28 spl 8.8 is pretty strong, but the Explorer axle would offer some additional shaft strength. If 35s are the biggest you will ever go, I'd say keep your 8.8, but many (most?) times people end up wanting something bigger in the future, the Explorer axle would be good to at least 38s.

 

[Sunk]

I snapped a 28 spline shaft last week with 33s and a locker. Your truck is much lighter though, so since you already have it, I say use it.

 

[RobinHood]

the Explorer axle would be good to at least 38s.

No doubt... l wheeled my old Jeep with an Explorer 8.8 in the back on 37" Swampers... never had a problem.

 

[AllanD]

It's not only the shaft strength of the explorer axle:

1)Shaft strength
2)the larger diameter tubes are stronger
3)The disc brakes add positive axle retention
(the caliper bracket eeps the rotor from "walking" if the "button"
that the C-clip holds the axle with snaps off)
4)The internal hat "non-servo" parking brake works equally well in reverse

an explorer axle swap is worth doing for more than just the stronger shafts.

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