why do an explorer rear axle swap?

[rez624]

so I see a lot of people swapping their rear axle for an explorer (8.8?) rear axle. What is gained from doing this?

[BLS2.3]

31 spline axles, gear ratios (most are 3.73 or 4.10), limited slip diff, higher load capacity, disk brakes, 5" drop... I think that covers the big ones.

[gumby]

You also gain the extra weight, the extra driveline losses, the width, and the requirement of some fabrication to make it all fit.

If you arent puttin down some serious torque numbers, or launching off a 2step, chances are great that the swap is overkill for the typical turboranger.

[Ron83ranger]

i agree with gumby, the 7.5 should handle most turbo setups, Ford put it behind the SVO just with a LS. you can get the 7.5 with upto 4.10 and LS in a 2.3 ranger from about 93 and up. just look around. my 83' 7.5 with more than 150K lasted for about 25K turboed with no LS, 3.45 gears and never checked or changed the oil. the axle didnt break, the pinion gears exploded from one legging so much.

[TURBO Ranger]

The other benefits are that the increased axle weight helps traction, and 8.8s are infinitely more upgradable than a 7.5. I changed springs at the same time, so i didnt get any drop

[tcranger]

what springs do you use for no drop? i just got mine in the other day, then put my bed on.... way to low for me lol.

[D94R]

You could use a longer shackle. A "lift" shackle for the Ranger, or a chevy "drop" shackle will get you back to close to where you want to be. You need to watch your pinion angle though.

[Ron83ranger]

when i first did my swap i made 3" extensions for my shackles and used 6* shims. close but not perfect, i have wheel hop.

i think a better solution may be to lower the front leaf spring hanger about 1 1/2" and add 1 1/2" to the shackle to even out the lift and not have to use shims while still keeping your factory springs. or get lift springs. or go to a link setup and not deal with any of this crap.

[tcranger]

well i put it together with explorer springs and it was like 5inches lowered.... so i got to work putting the perches on top of the axle, no problems there..... now with the explorer springs mounted on top of the axle its lifted 3inches in the back!! wtf so i guess i have to get new bushings for my stock ranger springs and throw those in there..... right?

[D94R]

yes 4 characters

[muddpawz]

And cuz the mustang 8.8 won't work;)

It's a common part, and many companies make upgrades for them. They're stronger than the 7.5 for higher hp applications. You can use any rearend you want as long as you do the mods to make it work, but this one is simple. Just make damn sure to check your drive shaft length, and pinion angle BEFORE driving it. I had to trim 1 1/4" off mine and my angle is way off still.

[Ryan]

Locker vs LS???

I know it depends on what you want to do with the truck. I am looking for retarted, neck breaking launches and blistering burnouts. I can careless about cornering. I am leaning towards an air locker. They way when I am do screwing around I can fill my tires back up too!

[fordnut71]

4.0l ranger 8.8 an a mustang traction loc. it all bolts together an fit just as well as the 7.5

[K G]

Locker vs LS???
I am leaning towards an air locker. They way when I am do screwing around I can fill my tires back up too!

If you get a ARB get a up grade on the compresor and/or a reservoir to fill tires the stock one is small for that.
K G