Swapping 2010 ranger rear axle on 89 ranger

[Nez'sRanger]

I have a 1989 4x4 ranger with 3.73s (obviously, a 7.5"). I'm considering the options on a rear axle swap that will both strengthen the rear end, and give me rear discs. With the digging I've done so far, I think my purposes will be met by a 2010 rear axle swap. maybe an 8.8 with discs and the same ratio (for now).
What is required to do this? Are there any brackets/mounts that need welded or moved? Will I need to use 2010 shocks and leaf springs, or are mine compatible with the new axle?
How about the axle shaft? Is the bolt pattern the same, or do I need to get a different axle?
I would appreciate ebrake help too...
Thanks in advance! You guys are awesome!

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

2010 spring plates and u bolts are completely different. May need a different driveshaft as well.

 

[Nez'sRanger]

2010 spring plates and u bolts are completely different. May need a different driveshaft as well.

Figures... I didn't think it would be as easy as some sources we're vaguely saying.

 

[Ramcharger90]

You could just get a 31 spline 8.8 with disc brakes from a 98ish explorer and move the spring perches to the proper angle. Thats basically what I did with my 90 2wd. I didn't even move the spring perches either.

 

[sgtsandman]

The speed and wheel sensors are setup differently on the truck you have and the 2010/2011. You would be better served to pick an axle from an earlier truck. I can’t remember when the configurations changed but either someone will post that knows the difference or you can check the tech section. I believe ‘89 had the speed sensor in the axle. Later models used that same hole for the ABS. I think.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yes, the speed sensor for the RABS on an '89 is on the carrier but that's all it's used for. An '89 likely uses a yoke for the rear driveshaft instead of the flange they started using in '90, but I think my '89 chassis had a flange, I don't remember doing anything when going to the Explorer 8.8...

That said, going to a disc brake Explorer axle isn't too hard: find a '95-01 Explorer with the gears you want, while at the junkyard grab an extra passenger side soft line from the caliper to the hard line on the axle to use on the drivers side as well as leaf spring plates from a '86 to '96 F150 or Bronco, grab the U bolts if they're in good shape and the configuration you are going for, go to the parts store and get two flare nuts (I think they're 3/8" fine thread) and a double flare tool if you don't have one, get some leaf spring perches or spring under adapters for an F150. From there it's pretty much just assembly, if you are lowered or 2 wheel drive double check the drive shaft length as the 8.8" pumpkin is about an inch longer. Put the extra passenger side soft line on the drivers side, cut the center of the hard line where it needs to be to match the stock Ranger soft line then flare the two ends.

 

[JMF661]

All these guys are correct. 3.25” ID ubolts will be required. Will probably need to be wedged to fix up the pinion angle. The later model 8.8 fx II, (maybe even standard 2010 8.8s?) rears seem to be clocked different than the early model ones.

It’s kind of tough to know for sure until you are bolting it up and can determine which components will and won’t work. at least that’s my experience with it.

 

[Nez'sRanger]

Thanks guys! I'll have to put this mod on hold until I get a welder and torch, haha!

 

[JMF661]

What is your new axel out of?

 

[bobbywalter]

Somewhere 05 or so things change and near the end again with tc.

 

[JMF661]

It’s from a ranger FX II?

 

[Nez'sRanger]

What is your new axel out of?

I don't have a new one yet, I'm just getting as much info as I can before buying one, so I can get the right one.

 

[don4331]

Hierarchy for your search:

Vehicle	Pros	Cons
90-92 Ranger 8.8 LS, 3.73 ratio	Bolts right in; same width as existing axle	28 spline axles, drum brakes
93-09 Ranger 8.8 LS, 3.73 ratio	Bolts right in	28 spline axles, drum brakes, wider than original, Needs newer driveshaft*
03-09 Ranger FX4 Lvl 2	Bolts right in (needs FX4 Lvl 2 or F-150 u-bolts/spring plates), 31 spline axles, Torsen LS; larger axle tubes	Only available in 4.10:1 ratio - either need to re-gear rear or front in your case; wider than stock, drum brakes, Needs newer driveshaft*
95-05 Explorer/Explorer Sport/Explorer Sport Trac, 3.73:1 ratio	31 spline axles, post '96 comes with disc brakes; larger axle tubes	Wider than any Ranger axle, spring mounts under axles - needs 2 drive's side Expo spring mounts for shocks and F-150 spring under axle kit or spring mounts relocated/shock mounts added, Needs newer driveshaft*
10-11 Ranger 8.8 LS 3.73 ratio	Disc brakes; bolts right in.	28 splines, but larger bearings so possible to install 31 spline axles, but they would need to be custom length, No speed sensor in differential; axle tube are 2-3/4" at axle and ends but larger in middle of tubes; Needs newer driveshaft*
F-150 8.8 LS 3.73 ratio	31 spline axles, disc brakes; larger, thicker axle tubes	5x135mm pattern, much wider (but it is rated for 3,800 lbs). Shortening tube and axles to Ranger width/ changing bolt pattern to 5x4.5" adds cost, Needs newer driveshaft*

Explorer versus FX4 Lvl 2 axles can swapped in order depending on your wrenching versus welding skills. My differential is composite of the FX4 Lvl 2 - 4.10:1 ratio and Torsen in Explorer housings/axles/brakes. I didn't need to play with lines to make connections, but maybe I was lucky.

*BobbyWalter has solution of using the front 1/2 of existing driveshaft to transfer case/rear 1/2 from 3rd gen to axle to create a working driveshaft without changing drive flanges. Note: This solution assume regular cab. If you have a SuperCab, you can use the rear section from gen 3 or gen 4 SuperCab.

 

[Nez'sRanger]

Hierarchy for your search:

Vehicle	Pros	Cons
90-92 Ranger 8.8 LS, 3.73 ratio	Bolts right in; same width as existing axle	28 spline axles, drum brakes
93-09 Ranger 8.8 LS, 3.73 ratio	Bolts right in	28 spline axles, drum brakes, wider than original, Needs newer driveshaft*
03-09 Ranger FX4 Lvl 2	Bolts right in (needs FX4 Lvl 2 or F-150 u-bolts/spring plates), 31 spline axles, Torsen LS; larger axle tubes	Only available in 4.10:1 ratio - either need to re-gear rear or front in your case; wider than stock, drum brakes, Needs newer driveshaft*
95-05 Explorer/Explorer Sport/Explorer Sport Trac, 3.73:1 ratio	31 spline axles, post '96 comes with disc brakes; larger axle tubes	Wider than any Ranger axle, spring mounts under axles - needs 2 drive's side Expo spring mounts for shocks and F-150 spring under axle kit or spring mounts relocated/shock mounts added, Needs newer driveshaft*
10-11 Ranger 8.8 LS 3.73 ratio	Disc brakes; bolts right in.	28 splines, but larger bearings so possible to install 31 spline axles, but they would need to be custom length, No speed sensor in differential; axle tube are 2-3/4" at axle and ends but larger in middle of tubes; Needs newer driveshaft*
F-150 8.8 LS 3.73 ratio	31 spline axles, disc brakes; larger, thicker axle tubes	5x135mm pattern, much wider (but it is rated for 3,800 lbs). Shortening tube and axles to Ranger width/ changing bolt pattern to 5x4.5" adds cost, Needs newer driveshaft*

Explorer versus FX4 Lvl 2 axles can swapped in order depending on your wrenching versus welding skills. My differential is composite of the FX4 Lvl 2 - 4.10:1 ratio and Torsen in Explorer housings/axles/brakes. I didn't need to play with lines to make connections, but maybe I was lucky.

*BobbyWalter has solution of using the front 1/2 of existing driveshaft to transfer case/rear 1/2 from 3rd gen to axle to create a working driveshaft without changing drive flanges. Note: This solution assume regular cab. If you have a SuperCab, you can use the rear section from gen 3 or gen 4 SuperCab.

This is awesome! Thank you!!