Questions about 7.5 to 8.8 swap.

[FFparker]

I'm thinking of swapping out my 7.5 3.73s axle to an 8.8 4.10s axle. Before I do I just wanted to clear some things up
Would changing the U-joint be a good idea at this point (only have 70,xxx)?
I have read stuff about not wanted to unbalance the drive shaft so how would I make sure I don't do that when disconnecting it?
Where can I find new U-bolts?
I would be getting the 8.8 from another ranger so this should be a direct swap. I'm also adding an AAL kit while its all apart.

 

[88_Eddie]

Would changing the U-joint be a good idea at this point (only have 70,xxx)? I have read stuff about not wanted to unbalance the drive shaft so how would I make sure I don't do that when disconnecting it? i've still got factory u-joints on my 2000 explorer and it's at 194xxxK, but if you want to go for it. changing it shouldnt affect the balance.

Where can I find new U-bolts?i got new u-bolts from my local 4 wheel parts for around $30 for all 4. they had the cheapest prices that i could find.

if you're getting the new 8.8 from another ranger it's most likely gonna be a 28 spline which means a 2 7/8" axle tube IIRC, hoepfully someone else will chime in and confirm. so that's what size you'll want the inside of the u bolts to be. i swapped in a 31 spline 8.8 from an explorer so i needed 3.25" u bolts, but 4 wheel parts should have a bunch of different sizes.

 

[FFparker]

I dont really have acess to the things I need to swap in a explorer axle.
So is this even still worth it if its a 28 spline instead of 31? Really all I want is the 4.10s..
What I'm talking about the unbalancing thing is I know you mark the drive shaft and pinion flang down to the yoke. But on the new axle ill loose the mark so does that even matter?
And I don't really unstand what your saying? I'm keeping my same drive shaft just getting the new axle..

 

[2004xlmiller]

the 28 spline is gonna be just fine for your needs sean. the u-joints should be just fine and dont really need to be replaced, but if you want to and have money it wouldnt hurt. make sure to grease it up good. and new ubolts can be bought at an autoparts store like napa or oreilly i think. if not, ruffstuff has good parts. everything should be a direct swap if the new axle is from a ranger.

 

[FFparker]

sweet. Just making sure man I work so much I wanna get this done in a day and make sure I have everything!
Yeah Idk why everyone is saying the ubolts have to be made

 

[2004xlmiller]

they for sure dont have to be made. lol. oh, one thing i forgot is due to the increased axle tube size (why you need new ubolts) youll also need new spring plates. grab them off the donor truck if possible. or you get get some on ruffstuff. ive got the ones from them im preparation for my swap and they are beefy! heres a pic:

 

[FFparker]

Have a link?

 

[4.0B2]

the 28 spline 8.8 is a step up from the 7.5... however, if i was gonna do it, i'd do it right and be done. once and done. but if you can't... then, do what you can. 28 spline 8.8 > 7.5 regardless.

you'll still need u-bolts and spring plates like mentioned above... the only major thing of the explorer axle swap is the welding of the perches, but ruffstuff makes a simpleswap kit...

 

[2004xlmiller]

i know sean and he'll never have the need for the beefy 31 spline axle. neither will i. haha. heres a link to those plates. it says jeep but the measurements are the same, and ive tested them out with my 8.8 ubolts and they fit perfectly.
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/25J-UPLT.html

heres a link to ubolts if you wanna buy them here
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/UB325.html

28 spline axle swap kit
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/88SS-28.html

 

[88_Eddie]

I dont really have acess to the things I need to swap in a explorer axle.
So is this even still worth it if its a 28 spline instead of 31? Really all I want is the 4.10s..
What I'm talking about the unbalancing thing is I know you mark the drive shaft and pinion flang down to the yoke. But on the new axle ill loose the mark so does that even matter?
And I don't really unstand what your saying? I'm keeping my same drive shaft just getting the new axle..

i wasnt saying you needed a 31 spline, i was just saying that's what i swapped because i plan on wheeling my b2.

and who is saying you need u-bolts made? i bought mine from 4 wheel parts because they were the cheapest ones i could find. $7 apiece plus tax, they were cheaper than what i saw at autozone and advanced auto.

and now that i'm thinking about it, i'd measure the tubes diameter between both axles. i think the tubes are the same between a 28 spline 8.8 and a 7.5 which means you wouldnt even need new u-bolts or new spring plates

 

[88_Eddie]

heres a link to ubolts if you wanna buy them here
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/UB325.html

those are 3.25" u bolts for a 31 spline 8.8, he needs 2.75"

 

[FFparker]

Thanks morgan I think I'll get those plates and ubolts when I get paid tomorrow. Unless the yard has the plates with the axle. But those things do look THICK as hell
Damn tax return needs to hurry up to

 

[FFparker]

Oh this is getting fun now!

 

[2004xlmiller]

those are 3.25" u bolts for a 31 spline 8.8, he needs 2.75"

true. i forgot i bought mine in preparation for a 31 spine axle i was gonna buy, but the deal fell through.

 

[scotts90ranger]

you don't need plates, the axle tubes are the same size... you "could" reuse your stock U bolts if they're in good shape, I've done it a couple times... with a 2.5 and no low range you should be fine...

and don't worry about marking the yoke or anything, myth...