Fullsize 8.8 ujoint

[88mudder]

I currently have a the stock 7.5 rear in my 84 Ranger, looking to upgrade maybe go fullwidth. Ive been considering the fullwidth 8.8. Are the ujoints on the driveshaft different sizes? I just dont wanna have to get a custom driveshaft made. What are my options as far as keeping the same driveshaft and joint?

 

[4x4junkie]

You'll need to swap up to at least a 1310-size u-joint to use the 8.8" (your '84 came with tiny 1210s).

1310s were used on '88-'97 Rangers, but the transmission lengths are different. Unless you want to redrill the 8.8's pinion flange and run the weak 1210 joint, you'll need a custom shaft made for it.

 

[raiper]

tis another way, but it involves customizing the drive shaft so you kinda screwed either way. ive been told you can grind down the welds on lets say....an 8.8 drive shaft on the side where the u joint connects to the flange and do that same with your drive shaft on the ranger. weld the 8.8 u joint thingy(hush hush junkie) onto your original drive shaft and wah la. you just got to make sure you weld it on straight! Junkie i believe will either confirm or nay say this...

 

[4x4junkie]

If the tube diameter is the same, sure, but it's basically impossible to get it straight enough to where the shaft wouldn't require rebalancing. Plus then you're still left with the small weak u-joint up at the t-case/trans end.

It would be better all around to just swap to a shaft with the bigger u-joints.