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Need help with my 8.8 conversion.


Joined
Jun 26, 2009
Messages
12
City
Canada, BC, Burnaby
Vehicle Year
1987
Transmission
Automatic
I am trying to get my truck ready for a 351W swap. I thought I would start off by swapping out my weak 7.5 with an Explore 8.8. A friend of mine hooked me up with one and then I realized that it is 1.5 inches to wide on each side. I already bought a bearing kit, a 8.8 LS 31 spine carrier and a 3.73 ring gear. I have Cragar SS mags that are 15X8 in the back and are flush with the fenders now and want to keep it that way. I understand that an 8.8 for a 1990-1992 ranger are the same width as my 7.5 and just a bolt in. However... I really want a 31 spine and to what I recall 1990 - 1992 8.8 rangers are 28 spine. So in short my question is: Is there an 8.8 rear end form a Ranger that is 56.5 " from wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface that is a 31 spine?
 
you will need custom axles to use the narrower housing....



another option is to bulge the bedsides slightly. and one i prefer. its basically free, makes room for more tire, and allows retention of stock axle parts easily sourced almost anywhere for cheap....friggen explorer axles are like rabbits most places.
 
You can also use wheels with a deeper backspacing to bring the tires in a little more.
 
If you're going to have axles made/modified, it would probably be best to go with the sploder 8.8. It has larger diameter axle tubes, and is significantly stronger.

Just my thoughts..

-Denny
 
He said the Ex axle is too wide. You could maybe narrow it down though (or narrow an F-150 8.8) and get the larger wheel bearing ends that way.
 
One of the Explorer axles is longer by about 3". I believe its the right side(someone correct me if I'm wrong). If you cut the long side down to the correct length and install a short side axle, you'll wind up with a 31 spline 8.8 with discs and the length you want.
 
He said the Ex axle is too wide. You could maybe narrow it down though (or narrow an F-150 8.8) and get the larger wheel bearing ends that way.

Yeah, that's what i meant. If he's going to have axles custom made, it might as well be for the explorer 8.8. I know you'd have to shorten the tubes, but if you're going through all the trouble, shortening axle tubes isn't that big of a deal.
 
One of the Explorer axles is longer by about 3". I believe its the right side(someone correct me if I'm wrong). If you cut the long side down to the correct length and install a short side axle, you'll wind up with a 31 spline 8.8 with discs and the length you want.

^^
Good stuff right there. That would put it right at 56.5" wide :icon_thumby:

It's the driverside shaft that's 3" longer. After narrowing the housing, you'd then use two stock passengerside axles. Only thing you'll have to watch out for afterward though is your driveshaft clearance next to the fuel tank, as the pumpkin will be centered after you do this.
 

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