just completed 8.8 swap (85 driveshaft mod)

[nidf88]

i just completed the 8.8 swap into my 1985 ranger two weeks ago. the donor vehicle was a 91 ranger 4.0. most everything bolted on with no modification (shocks, parking brake, brake lines, and the original 4x4 blocks w/existing shackles). the one thing that WAS NOT a direct bolt on was the 7.5 driveshaft to the 8.8 pinion flange. my driveshaft is a spicer type with the 2 u-joint knuckle on one side and spline shaft with 1 u-joint on chunk end. I have heard this driveshaft referred to as "the one with the tiny u-joints". drive line service of atlanta provided me with an easy solution: slide a new slip yoke onto the splined shaft of end of the driveshaft, use a bigger 1310 u-joint, and larger end yoke to connect to the 8.8's stock pinion flange. here are the parts numbers:
2-3-10661x slip yoke assy
2-2-1379 flange yoke
1-0153 1310 u-joint
i've heard of aftermarket pinion flanges being availiable for the 8.8 to fit the 7.5 driveshaft, but i could not locate them in time to install my new ring gear.
cost was $132.98, well worth the time of me not having to find a custom pinion flange.
other than that, everything went smooth. motive ring and pinion, auburn hp l/s, new (bigger) 10" drum brakes (w/hardware, shoes, turning, wheel cylinders, self adjusters), wheel seals, carrier bearings, pinion bearings, and the junkyard axle cost me right over $1000 and took about 2 to 3 days of gathering/install. all the axles i found at my junkyard had high ratios, so unless your lucky then be ready for a ring and pinion swap. if you need pics of the driveshaft let me know. hope this helps someone.

 

[bobbywalter]

we just grab one from the yard for 5 bux....and if it needs a joint maybe replace the joint.


flip the rear shaft so the slip is down.

 

[dusto2]

never thought of that, thats a good idea to do even though you still have the 1 weaker joint at the other end but still its a quick fix

 

[metalmacguyver]

So....... where do you live that has junkyards with all high ratio axles...........?

 

[nidf88]

carrollton, ga. i even had one idiot at a "we pull it for you" yard tell me that 4.0 rangers were never offered with 4.10. i decided to back to my usual yard and get one for $100 (91 4.0 open 3.08) and just build it the way i wanted. i kinda wanted new stuff in it anyways.