8.8 question.

[wombat]

I have the opertunity to get a FREE 8.8 out of a 92 explorer. Buddy said it has 3.73 gears. does the carrier in these have a break? Do I have to get a 4.10 carrier in order to go down to 4.88 gears? also how hard is a disk brake swap? he said he has an 8.8 also out of a thunder bird with diskbrakes already on it. can they swap over? Thanks

[dscowell]

There is no carrier split I believe.  I can't help you regarding brakes.

[Incommando]

Not all 8.8's are created equal. The early explorer versions like that were weaker including a lower spline count and smaller diameter shaft. Generally only the later versions are considered desirable. I have no idea what the width of the fox body 8.8 was but I have heard that fox body mustang rears were not desirable for jeep swaps. And you have more suspension crap to remove as it is not a simple leaf spring suspension. Sometimes free can cost you...

[Pete M]

actually, the Explorer guys say that the early Explorer 8.8s have the same shafts as the later models.  :thumbsup:  (except maybe some very early production 91s)  the only real difference is that the early ones have drums and the later ones have disks.  and if I remember right, the explorer disks are easily swappable.  I've got no idea on the thunderbird ones though.

 

also, there is no internal difference between the explorer 8.8 found behind a v8 and those found behind a v6.  don't pay extra for one with slightly different bracketry (that you're going to cut off anyway).

[benjy_26]

Arent the Ranger and Mustang 8.8's loaded with 28 spline shafts and center sections?

[Pete M]

I think so.  the explorer rears are the ones for Jeepers.  :thumbsup:

[benjy_26]

I think so.  the explorer rears are the ones for Jeepers.  :thumbsup:

Most def. A buddy of mine runs one in a XJ running 33's under a ~300hp 4.9 stroker... and he runs it HARD. No issues after 3 years. This is after havijng blown up 2 8.25 ChryCo rear ends.