Locker ?'s in a '99

[Firstfox]

Seeing as how I still am running open diffs, I'm forced to beat on my truck pretty hard to make it over-around-through certain obstacles. I'm going to have to bite the bullet and install at least one locker. My concern is the rear axle. Everything I find is for a 31 spline. Is there even a locker available for a 28 spline? Would installing a locker on the smaller axles, just be asking to break parts? I see that swapping for an Explorer axle is the way to go, and have found lots of information on that. What is stopping me from simply putting aftermarket 31 spl axles in the 8.8 that's already there? Is that not an option?

 

[Toms01PSD]

I've asked the same question about slipping 31 spline axles into the existing 8.8 in my truck but we can't because I believe the axle tube diameter is smaller than the 31 spline axle tube diameter. As for lockers for the D35 and 8.8, here you go:
http://www.trsfabandoffroad.com/products/d28-d35-ttb.htm
http://www.trsfabandoffroad.com/products/ford_75-88-lockers.htm
There are lockers for both of the 8.8's.

 

[97BlackBetty]

The reason you cant use 31 spline shafts in a 28 spline unit is due to the overall diameter of the 31 spline shaft being larger than the 28. A 31 spline units axle tube measures 3.25 inches verses the 3.00 of the 28. The wheel end bearings of a 31 are also a larger diameter there fore provide better weight carrying capacity. The options for lockers are also better and due to this reason they tend to be signifaicantly cheaper.

 

[Firstfox]

Thanks, for the links. I didn't know there were that many locker choices available for 28 spline. As for replacing the 28's for 31 splines, I see what you're saying, and didn't know the axle housings were different diameters. Swapping to 31 spline axles is a common upgrade for 5.0 Mustangs. They also came with a 28 spline 8.8. I couldn't understand why the Ranger's were having to swap out the entire rear end, to gain the same 31 spline axles. I dodn't know Ford made 8.8's in different tube diameters.