what should i do?

[swynx]

I've recently tried ordering a locker for my 8.8 4 wheel parts says the track lok 8.8 locker is now 8 weeks out. A Detroit is 150 more. Or I can wait and find a Explorer 8.8 and have the perches moved. And then a lockright put in that.

I'm assuming every one will say go explorer? I can also get disk brakes after 95?

 

[swynx]

It was said that the 28 spline just don't last. I'm only running 33s. A ford explorer rear axle is 175 but the locker is 400.

I thought I read some place that even the 28 spline could be fine with 37+?

 

[bigmark303]

It was said that the 28 spline just don't last. I'm only running 33s. A ford explorer rear axle is 175 but the locker is 400.

I thought I read some place that even the 28 spline could be fine with 37+?

In any serious situation nothing will stand up and everything will be weak.... The weakest link in a 31 spline or 28 spline 8.8 is the stock carrier. Replace the carrier and you wont have an issue with it being under a lightweight Ranger.

From experience of actually using an 8.8 28 spline in many applications it is plenty strong and the only reason to go with a 31 spline explorer setup is for the disk brakes. Run any tire over 40" on either a 31 spline or 28 spline 8.8 and they will have the same life span. Its how you use it.

Also from experience I have a 7.5 under my 4.0 that has been under multiple trucks going on 4 years now. That 7.5 came from a 1995 Ranger 2.3L and had 111,000 on it when I got it. I replaced the carrier with a Detroit locker and left the rest be. It now has another 7,000 miles on it of being under multiple 2wd Rangers pushing from 31"-38" all terrains, mud terrains, and tractor tires. It now has a break being under a 4wd truck that I don't have to matt it to get through stuff. Its in perfect shape still never an issue. I just pulled it apart for 4.56 gears and not a thing was out of place. Its now pushing around 35" Boggers. That's a tire that will test any axle shaft, ring gear, pinion, or carrier and let you know just how weak things are. 7.5 has been hopping them spinning them and more just fine for about 2 months now.

That's a Ford 7.5 so I wouldn't at all worry about your 8.8.

 

[swynx]

Awesome. I just don't wanna get over my head and have to buy a bunch of tools to install a Detroit.

 

[Mac]

Just yesterday I Googled "What is the weak point of the Ford 8.8 rear end". It's usually not the 28 spline. Ford used the 28 spline in a lot of heavy cars with a lot more torque you'll ever get out of a 4.0.
Dave

 

[swynx]

Yeah I new the 8.8 is a good axle no matter what variant it is.