Ford 8.8 conv

[jeepaholic]

Ok..I have pulled the 8.25 out from under the truck to install the Ford 8.8. The 8.8 has 4.10's w/ a detroit locker..Problem is it has drum brakes. I want to convert over to disc..Who makes a kit where i am gonna get the best bang for my buck. :brows:

[88MJay]

I've never done it but you should be able to go to a junkyard and grab all of the parts necessary from a 96' and up Explorer axle.

 

I remember reading somewhere that the drum brake axle shafts are just a tad bit shorter than disc brake shafts. I don't know if it's true or how much difference there is but... you could grab the shafts out of the donor axle as well. If nothing else you'd have a spare set of shafts.

 

An aftermarket disc brake kit will be way too expensive. I'm sure there is a write up somewhere on the net about this conversion. Maybe try the Rangerstation or something.

 

Good luck!

[jeepaholic]

Jeeezus. I hope the shafts arent different cause thats was one of the things i was thinking of doing..Gettin this one w/ the 4.10s and the locker and swapping its guts over to another 8.8 w/ disc..I'm gettin the 4.10 locker one for free so i would only be out say 250 bones for another w/ disc. :brows:

[88MJay]

Here's one....

 

http://www.4x4central.com/discswap.html

 

I don't remember where I read that or if it has any truth to it. Could be like a 16th or something that doesn't even matter. You can't believe everything you read anyway.

[jeepaholic]

I think i am screwed.. The guy just called me the 8.8 is NOT out of an explorer but out of a 2000 ranger...This aint gonna work is it..Nothing is gonna swap over not to mention the ranger 8.8 is not the good one of the two. :headpop:

[87manche]

well, I wouldn't call getting a free detroit screwed, but yes, it's not gonna work like you want.

Have you verified that the 8.8 with the locker is only 28 spline? If it came from an fx4 ranger it would have 31 spline count locker that could be moved to the explorer axle.

If not, I say run it cause it was free, or sell the locker and build an explorer one.

I still think that the 28 spline 8.8 is on par with a D44, so I'd run 33's on it with no worries at all.

Run what you got, drum brakes aren't horrible for performance, they just need more maintenance.

[jeepaholic]

I am running 36's hence the whole idea behind the 8.8...I guess i could go back to square one and put the chrys 8.25 back under her..I'm gonna go ahead and take the other 8.8(ranger) since its free if for nothing else sale or trade material..Also gettin my new d30 here today so i will be trussin that bad boy up this weekend. :chillin:

[88MJay]

Apparently there is a difference in axle shafts on the drum vs. disc Explorer 8.8's. The Superior Catalog has them listed like this....

 

90.5 - 94 Right - 27 3/4

90.5 - 94 Left - 30 5/8

 

95+ Right - 27 5/8

95+ Left - 30 1/2

 

Is that enough difference to warrant replacement? I don't know. Just passing on some relevant info.

[workaholic]

I am running 36's hence the whole idea behind the 8.8...I guess i could go back to square one and put the chrys 8.25 back under her..I'm gonna go ahead and take the other 8.8(ranger) since its free if for nothing else sale or trade material..Also gettin my new d30 here today so i will be trussin that bad boy up this weekend. :chillin:

 

The 8.8 in the 2000 ranger and the explorer is the same rear end. The only difference is that the explorer got discs earlier (95) than the ranger. That and the fx4 rangers 8.8 is 31 spline. It should work just great, I would run cuz of what it is then the fact that its free makes it no question.

 

Tom

[88MJay]

Pre 93' Ranger axles are 3" narrower than Explorer axles and Post 93' Ranger axles are 1.5" narrower than Explorer axles. The FX4 was the only 31 spline Ranger 8.8. Here's some info off of "Therangerstation"....

 

"Models Years Notes

Ranger 4.0 1990-1992 Width is same as other pre-93 axles, 28 spline

3.08 (4x2), 3.55, 3.73 and 4.10 (4x4) factory ratios

Either limited slip or open differential

10" drum brakes

 

Ranger 4.0

B4000 1993+

1994+ Width is same as other 93+ axles (1.5" wider than pre 93), 28 spline

Ratios and differential options as noted above

Ranger FX4 2002+ Width is same as other 93+ axles, 31 spline

4.10's and Torsen limited slip from factory

Explorer

Navajo 1990-1994 Width is 1.5" wider than 93+ Ranger, 3" wider than pre-93, 31 spline

Spring perches must be fabricated and welded on top

Stock spring perches can be used to lower the truck (like a flip kit)

Shock mounts must be fabricated and welded on

Very common to find ltd. Slip, usually 3.73 or 4.10 (4x4) gears

 

Explorer

Mountaineer 1995-2001 Same as above, also has rear discs"

[feerocknok]

Pre 93' Ranger axles are 3" narrower than Explorer axles and Post 93' Ranger axles are 1.5" narrower than Explorer axles.

 

And the Explorer axle already needs spacers...