Rear Axle Measurements

[TRNut]

Hello, I signed on to the forum as I am researching Ford rear axles for a transplant. Sorry, it's not a Ranger but this is the best site I've come across for rear axle specs. Rear axle will be going into a 1980 Triumph TR8. The goal being the gaining of a limited slip. A Quaife LS for the stock rear is $1300!!

My question is about axle widths. I read the article in the tech library on 7.5 to 8.8 swaps and learned a lot. What I need to know is the actual total width of the various axles from axle flange to flange. Is there a data base somewhere I could reference? I hate the thought of crawling around a bunch of junk yards with a tape measure.

I can go either 7.5 or 8.8 disc or drum. A 7.5 either 3.45 or 3.73 posi would be ideal. Car only weights 2500lbs and has a 4 litre V8. I know a fella that has a 5 built litre in his and has a 7.5 that he hasn't broke in 10 years. I need to get a measurement of the total length of my stock axle. It measures 51.5 between the backing plates but I haven't checked the total width to the axle flanges yet.

My thinking is that if the rear I get from a truck needs narrowed, I may be able to just shorten the longer side and get another short side axle. Providing the math works out.

Thanks! You people have a great site here. Any info or opinions will be greatly appreaciated.

Jim

 

[4x4junkie]

'83-'92 Ranger axles are 56.5" wide at the flanges.
'93-current Ranger axles are 58.5" wide.
The Bronco II 7.5" is 58.0" wide (and has an almost-centered diff).

Sounds like a 7.5 would be ideal for your project, the 8.8 would probably just be adding more weight.

Anyway, hopefully that helps.

 

[TRNut]

Thanks, I checked mine and it measures 56.5 to the flanges. I'd like to shoot for 56" to gain a little clearance.
I read on another forum where an Explorer rear if shortened on one side, like I was thinking, comes out right at 56" I agree though that an 8.8 is probably overkill.
Thanks again, Jim

Started thinking some more here. just to be sure, what is the difference in length of the axles on the 93 up Ranger? Did they ever get rear discs? If so when? Starting to think a late Ranger 7.5 may be an option. Would 3.73 LS be a common gear for a 4 cyl with the 7.5? Sorry for all the questions. This won't be cheap no matter how I do it so I want to get it right.

 

[metalmacguyver]

3.73 gears are very common in all rangers. L/S are a little harder to find but they are out there.

 

[4x4junkie]

No discs on Rangers, sorry.

 

[TRNut]

I measured a couple 93 up at the auto wreckers. Appears the axles are approx 4" different. So if I were to shorten the one side to center the diff, it would be too narrow. Fella just offered me a Turbo Bird 7.5 3.45 LS rear for 75 bucks. So I'm gonna go ahead & grab it & see if the guts are any good.
Thanks to all here for the info. Jim

 

[4x4junkie]

Should be 3" difference.

Anyway, good luck on your project