Swapping from a 7.5 to a 8.8

[93 Ohio Ranger]

Just pulled out my 7.5 tonight in 45 mins. It has drums and 3.55 gears and is amazingly clean inside. I decided i want to swap a explorer 8.8 into its place since i want some disk brakes intsed and im going to regear.

Im running 32s right now but im going to regear for 35s so i should run what? 4.88s?

I also need to know if the ruff stuff swap kit is worth the money? And what degree should i set the pinnion at?

Anyone want a 7.5 with 150,000 for 75bucks?

 

[atvkid4eva]

From what i hear the Ruff Stuff kit is a great value and comes with everything you need. Some reuse the spring perches, just make sure you don't cut into your axle tube. As for the pinion i usually just set the leafs on the perches of the axle and rotate it until it looks good to me and then tack the leafs and then fully weld. I believe that's whats most do and its the easiest way. The tech article in the tech library gives you a degree listing tho.

http://therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.html

 

[atvkid4eva]

Where are you located in OH?

 

[93 Ohio Ranger]

From what i hear the Ruff Stuff kit is a great value and comes with everything you need. Some reuse the spring perches, just make sure you don't cut into your axle tube. As for the pinion i usually just set the leafs on the perches of the axle and rotate it until it looks good to me and then tack the leafs and then fully weld. I believe that's whats most do and its the easiest way. The tech article in the tech library gives you a degree listing tho.

http://therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.html

I hear its good too and 200ish for the kit and a diff cover is a deal.

Only problem is i dont have a welder right now. Which i plan on getting but dont have one.

And im in youngstown area.

 

[4x4junkie]

You got a 3.0L, go with 5.13 gears (4.88 won't quite be enough for that engine with 35s).

Agreed, just set the axle in there with the u-bolts lightly clamped and rotate it until the pinion looks good, then weld 'er up.