Want to use 31 spline axles in a 28 spline 8.8

[94 lngbd]

Can explorer drum brake axles & just the side gears from the carrier be the only items needed to allow the use of the 31 spline axles in my 8.8 that's from a 99 Ranger 4.0L/4wd?

Im unsure if the explorer shafts will fit into the tube area as the explorers are to be wider. Or is this width from the tubes out to the wheel mounting surface. Example longer shafts , not longer rear end housing

May even be interested in swapping the disc brake set up from an explorer to my Ranger 8.8 so i would just as well get the complete disc set up & the side gears & axles.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys or gals

 

[88_Eddie]

wont work. an EX axle tube is 3.25" in diameter and the ranger axle is 2.75".

the width on the EX axles is a little wider too.

i dont see why the disc brake stuff wouldnt swap over though

try the search button, there's a crap-ton of threads on this subject

 

[94 lngbd]

Want to use 31 spline axles in a 28 spline 8.8-duplicated by mistake please delete

Can explorer drum brake axles & just the side gears from the carrier be the only items needed to allow the use of the 31 spline axles in my 8.8 that's from a 99 Ranger 4.0L/4wd?

Im unsure if the explorer shafts will fit into the tube area as the explorers are to be wider. Or is this width from the tubes out to the wheel mounting surface. Example longer shafts , not longer rear end housing

May even be interested in swapping the disc brake set up from an explorer to my Ranger 8.8 so i would just as well get the complete disc set up & the side gears & axles.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys or gals PLEASE DELETE AS THIS WAS ACCIDENTALLY DUPLICATED

 

[Mac]

If you have the 28 spline, that means going to the Mustang GT brakes or even the Cobras if you got 16" wheels. Sure it's been covered dozens of times down in the brake section, lots of pictures and good "how to".
Dave of the Nord

 

[94 lngbd]

I did the search & nothing says whats actually wider except that from wheel to wheel. If the width is the axles & tubes on an explorer then why cant a person make a 1/2 " spacer from flange mounting surface for the disc caliper bracket or drum backing plate to mount to ,to allow for the additional 1" width.

Tube diameter is stated:

Explorer 8.8;3.25 inches (Neck Down To 2-3/4 inches)
but yet it necks down to 2 3/4"

Ranger 8.8;2.80 inches (1990-2009)(Non-FX4)
3-1/4 inches (FX4 Models)

The 8.8 that's in my ranger came from a 99 4.0L 4wd Ranger & it steps down 2x. Once between the differential & the leaf springs & once again before the backing plate flange.

There's also nothing mentioned in the Axle Comparisons chart about the axle shaft size for the Ranger 8.8 I thought that I heard somewhere that the 28 & 31 spline axles are actually the same diameter?

 

[Mac]

I think the big difference is in the larger bearing for the 31 spline, making the end of the shafts different.
Dave

 

[88_Eddie]

they arent. i had a ranger 8.8 and an EX 8.8 in my garage back in january. i did a lot looking and measuring.

ranger 8.8 axle shafts and 7.5 axle shafts are both 28 spline and the same diameter, but EX shafts are just a hair bigger.

 

[Sunk]

The Explorer shafts have a bigger diameter than the Ranger shafts and so do the wheel bearings as the Ex axle tubes don't taper and the Ranger tubes do.

 

[adsm08]

31 spline shafts are bigger around, and 31 spline bearings are as well. The 31 spline bearings don't fit 28 spline housings and the 31 spline axles don't fit 28 spline bearings.

The 28 spline 8.8 far more closely resembles a 7.5 with an oversized ring gear than it does a 31 spline 8.8.

 

[Teddyzee]

Explorer rear ends with 31spline axles use the large bearing ends, like a 9" Ford.

If you just want disc brakes, '94-'04 Mustang brakes are a straightforward swap.

 

[86 slo-vo]

The Explorer shafts have a bigger diameter than the Ranger shafts and so do the wheel bearings as the Ex axle tubes don't taper and the Ranger tubes do.

in other words, no 31 spline axles wont go into a 28 housing

 

[94 lngbd]

Well being that the explorer uses the larger axle bearings & come available with the disc set up I might as well go to local bone yard to get an explorer rear end as Im planning to lengthen frame approx. 18 " to install a extended cab in place of std cab & still keep the long bed & I also have a Camper to haul so using the stronger rear axle & bearings is a big benefit.

 

[trail B2]

Would the mustang brakes fit on the 7.5?Sorry if thread jacking.

 

[94 lngbd]

they may fit as the 8.8 & 7.5 use the same flange bolt pattern.

 

[Mac]

Would the mustang brakes fit on the 7.5?Sorry if thread jacking.

Look in here, difference between the 7.5 and 8.8 is in the gears and the center section.
Dave of the Nord
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/engi...c-brake-conversion-stock-ranger-rear-end.html