Rear End Swap

[kiragyu]

ok well i just swapped my axle with an 8.8 out of another ranger what i did is first of all i took off the box (1000000x easier to work on it) i helped my friend swap his chevy 1500 with a chevy 3500 axle didnt take off the box it was hard as hell anyway it took me all of 6 or so hours to finish up everything that i did o try to get the brake lines already attached to the newish axle then you can save time and just cut and crimp the existing axles brake lines and thus you have your plug then just un bolt it from your existing axle and lift it up above so no fluid gets out i cut the steel lines with a hack saw then i used a set of pliers and crimped and curled the ends also deffinatly need new u bolts um im running 31s with 4.10s and a locker and i havent really noticed a difference in the acceleration or power or whatnot um im not sure bout the 9 but the 8.8 just bolts in which is nice i placed the 2 jack stands right under the front leaf spring mounts and it held the body just fine make sure you have something behind the front tires though just to be safe, also rolling floor jack is a big help in swinging the axle out i have a link we did it in my garage and i have pictures of it

here you go hope this helps
http://s654.photobucket.com/albums/uu263/kiragyu/axle swap/

 

[kiragyu]

o also with the parking brake if your stickin with drum brakes and the new brake line doesnt fit just swap it out for the old one

 

[Tractor Dan]

Well. I can finally put the questions to rest. Snagged an axle out of a 99 Ranger. 7.5 with 9 inch drum and 4.10 gears. The best part of this. Scored it for $97, minus gas and whatnot driving the 3 hours to get it. Either way i can't wait to get it unloaded and start painting it and swapping the fluid and housing gasket. I'm just glad the decision has been put to rest now. Thanks for the input everyone.

Dan