rear end

[bottledgt]

hay Will, Not to call you out and i may be wrong but i thought all 8.8's with 31 spline axles where rated the same?
the only difference that i knew of was the shock and spring mounts where different between Explorer's and Rangers?

31's probably are, but 'standard'8.8's are 28 spline just like 7.5's. axles aint the weak link though. the spider gears are

 

[racsan]

i was looking at my summit book just today, youre right. no cover like mine available for the 7.5, my 8.8 is the "old" 28 spline unit, im limited on locker choices myself. if i were looking to upgrade, id see about a whole complete axle assy from a salvage yard, you aybe ale to get a 4.10 with a toresen l/s. (hey, they made 'em, it could be out there somewhere)

 

[jobar]

Ok, ill check my local junk yards and see if anybody has the 8.8 ranger/explorer axle. Would rather have the explorer axle more than the ranger.

 

[jobar]

I would upgrade a motor or transmission before I worried about the axle. If you've towed it 'three times a week' already and it's held up, it will probably be fine.

If not, then swap in the bigger axle. Your not out anything if it doesn't break... and if it does, well then you have a good reason to swap.

I've towed with mine quite a bit and have had no issues. Had the truck sitting still chained to a stuck trailer with all 4 wheel spinning... still works fine.

FYI

I've got a 4 banger and there arent to many upgrades for them. Mabey a intake upgrade, and exhaust, but thats about it. You cant really upgrade them to well.

Mabey I can steal a turbo off of one of the planes at work. Fab up some custom tubing and run a airplane turbo capable of 60 psi of boost, on my ranger.Thats the only upgrade I can think of.

 

[rickcdewitt]

the 2.3l is almost as upgradable as the small block.how many horses do you want?200? 400?(not that you would want to tow with a 400 horse 2.3)

i'de go with the 4.10 axle first though

 

[jobar]

Well, im pushin 112 hp stock. Around 115 with a K&N. 200 hp would be awsome to have but, how do I go about getting that out of a 4 banger.

 

[rickcdewitt]

look in the forced induction forum at the turbo coupe and merkur turbo swaps and SEARCH THE NET