installing explorer rear end

I had an Exploder 8.8 rear under a '40 coupe and have on under a '40 Sedan delivery. Wheel choice is limited but I am not a fan of deep dish wheels - or pizza for that matter - so I have the look I want. Here's a useful link for you....

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.html

 

These axles are 2" off center so im asssuming thats not a problem when your engine/trans is centered in your chassis? i came across a similiar post elsewher with no big concern. where im still in the planning stage would it be wise to offset the engine/trans 2" or do u guys feel the universals will do that job.

<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 borderColor=#808080 cellPadding=2 width="90%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TH bgColor=#000000 width="28%" align=left>Measurement</TH><TH bgColor=#000000 width="18%">

Jeep Dana 35​

</TH><TH bgColor=#000000 width="18%">Ford 7.5-Inch (Ranger)</TH><TH bgColor=#000000 width="18%">Ford Ranger 8.8-Inch</TH><TH bgColor=#000000 width="18%">Ford Explorer 8.8-Inch</TH></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="28%" align=left>Width Between Wheel Mounting Surfaces</TD><TD vAlign=top width="18%" align=left>60-1/2 inches</TD><TD vAlign=top width="18%" align=left><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>56-1/2 inches (1983-1992)</TD></TR><TR><TD>58-1/2 inches (1993-2009)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD vAlign=top width="18%" align=left><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>56-1/2 inches (1990-1992)</TD></TR><TR><TD>58-1/2 inches (1993-2009)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD vAlign=top width="18%" align=left>59-1/2 inches</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="28%" align=left>Pinion Offset To Right Of Center</TD><TD vAlign=top width="18%" align=left>3/4 inches</TD><TD vAlign=top width="18%" align=left>?</TD><TD vAlign=top width="18%" align=left>2 inches</TD><TD vAlign=top width="18%" align=left>2 inches</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

I have a 2000 explorer 2wd rear axel in my 40 pickup.... Chassis Engineering's parallel spring kit was exactly what the doctor ordered!! This is a 3:55 unit,.. but others are available.

4TTRUK

 

macs67,.....the driveline side offset is no problem....the explorer 2wd chassis came that way from factory,...and our fleet never had an issue. Be sure to set the front to back angle to plus or minus one degree, and it'll be ok.

4TTRUK

 

I am using the Explorer axle on the sons 49 F1. Great choice, disc brakes and 31 spline axles. I bought the spring perches from Speedway and junkyard springs and perches from an S10. Works great.

 

Hey, Deuce Roadster, Thanks for this list. Question for you: Where in the VIN sequence do you look for the rear end code? Also, what years of Explorers/Mountaineers have these rear ends? What about Rangers?

 

Just a note Southfork, but the Ranger rears do not have 31 spline axles.

 

thanks 40fordguy.
hey im not exactly sure im installing the 97 explorer rear in my 40 yet but if i do i have the springs along with the 97 which are probably to stiff ? or should i use s-10 ones on the 40. thats what so great about this site i learn so much just reading the posts.

 

Early 90's explorer with a 4.10, swapped for 3.55, and disc brakes. Axle tubes for disc and drum are the same so if you find the ratio you want at the pull a part but it's got drums, find another with discs and swap the parts. Get the e brake cables too.

 

On the door frame will be the vin sticker. Ford has an axle code section, If I remember correctly.

 

Reading a Ford tag......ignore the top line of #s. Bottom row, first #s are gearing. middle should say 8.8, leave alone if it is 7.5.

The 3 then L means locker...27- 3:27 limited slip. If the 3 is seperated by a space (3 27) it is a peg leg.

 

Just yesterday I pulled a 3.25 locker from a '97 Mustang. More brackets to cut off than on an Explorer but that shouldn't be an issue. I bet I could use it unmodified as a triangulated 4 link like it was in the Stang.