Found an 8.8 LSD, thinking of doing a swap. Am I forgetting anything?

[overloaded]

I found a Ranger with an 8.8 LSD rear end at a yard today and was thinking of doing a swap with my current 7.5" open diff - I'd like to get a little bit more control when it's wet and slippery around here.

Assuming the clutch pack isn't shot, all I'll need is the rear end, new U-bolts, and new fluid( and diff cover if it's been punched) right? The brake lines from my old rear end should bolt right up and I'll just need to bleed and fill.

Conversely, if the clutch pack is in fact shot, replacing the clutch packs won't mean I'll have to re-do the backlash/etc in diff correct? Just disassemble, replace clutch, and bolt back together?

The yard is decently cheap so assuming the rear end is still good, I should be able to get away with this for less than $200. Standard rebuild kits seem like they're in the $40-$50 range, I can only seem to find the carbon racing ones online at the moment though that are $100+.

If I'm underestimating or forgetting something, please please let me know. This would be my first foray into swapping an axle and I'd rather learn from others instead of from the school of hard knocks.

 

[stroked88ranger]

I would inspect the brake hardware and replace the components if needed. If the wheel cylinders look like crap I would just replace them, they are cheap anyway. And because Im a detailed oriented person, I would degrease the whole thing then paint it the color of my choice.

 

[RangerSVT]

Yes, replacing the clutch pack does not require resetting up the gears, you will have to pull the shafts though. Pull the cover, cross pin retaining bolt, cross pin, S clip, driven gears, then the drive gears, and the clutches will be behind the drive gears. Soak the new replacement clutches in fresh clean synthetic gear oil before installing them, and pay attention to the orientation of the clutches and steels. While its down, as suggested, I'd do all new brake hardware, cylinders, and shoes, including turning/replacing drums, and new shaft seals while your that far into it...

SVT