U-Bolt-Spring Plate Quick Qustion

[Wyant]

I am swapping in an 8.8 out of a 96 ranger (28 spline, 10 inch drum brakes..etc) into my 88 ranger with the 7.5 rear end. Does anyone know if the axle housings are the same diameter for the ranger 8.8 and 7.5? I need to know if i can use my original U-bolts and Spring plates. I have a feeling they are but want to be sure so i can stop by the junk yard if on the way home if i have to.

I know the explorer 8.8 31-spline housing is a larger diameter, but wasnt sure about the 8.8-28 spline. According to jamesoaksenterprises, all rangers use
1/2" x 2-3/4" U-Bolts.

Thanks,

 

[Wyant]

Sorry, not all rangers, the FX4 uses wider u-bolts than a standard ranger 8.8.

 

[cvar]

Compare details in:
here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Ford-7_5-axle.shtml
here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Ford-8_8-axle.shtml

 

[Wyant]

Thanks, looks the same at 2.80".

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, 7.5 and 8.8/28 axle tubes are the same diameter.