Explorer 8.8--what years?

[CarFreakGT]

I did a search on the Explorer 8.8 swap for my 68 coupe, and have a quick question: I didn't see in any of the threads if there are certain years that I will be limited to in my search. Can anyone fill me in?

I've found a local yard that has some pretty good prices, and they currently have multiple Explorers ranging from 1991-1999 available. I haven't been to this one yet, but my friend tells me that it's incredibly well-organized and user-friendly.

Also, would any particular models be preferable? Any way to determine gear ratio on-site?

Any other tips, thoughts are appreciated! Thanks in advance for any input!

EDIT: My goal in considering this swap is to get a reliable rear and disc brakes if I can. The current rear is in need of quite a bit of work, and I thought that now may be the time to consider this swap. The ultimate goal of the car is a hard road driver (not daily driver, though) w/ < 400 hp.

 

[nitroracer]

All first and second generation explorers have 8.8 rear axles with an offset center section. The earlier, boxy explorers 91-94 have narrower axles (57ish) and drum brakes. The later 95-01 trucks have a wider axle (look at jeeps for the width, they love to convert to them) and disc brakes. Either style usually has gears ranging from 3.27 to 4.10. The door tag will have a section for 'AX' and a code underneath I believe all ford from the 80s on up use the same codes to determine the gear ratio.

 

[mrmustangman357]

96-up have discs. the bottom left hand of the axle tab says the gearing, it will have an L for a lim. slip

ex: 3L55. 3:55 gearset with trac lok.

 

[D.Hearne]

There were also 3.08 geared 8.8's too. The 3.73's come in both brake styles. The 4.10 geared are the hardest to find. Or at least that was the case at the yard I looked in. Most were 3.08 or 3.73.

 

[CarFreakGT]

Thanks, guys! Good info in all 3 of those posts--much appreciated!

 

[96 DOHC Cobra]

All Explorers up to 2001 had solid axles. 91-94 had drum rears. 95-01 had discs. These are also all the same width. The disc brake rears "may" be a 1/4" to 1/2" wider due to thicker material of the rotor center. Other than that, they're all the same width. The axles are interchageable through all these years. Like others have already stated, check the metal tag on the center section to find the ratio and look for the "L" in the midlle of it to confirm it has a traction lok. They came in all ratios from 3.08 to 4.10, but 99% of the ones I find around here have 3.73s and traction lok.

 

[CarFreakGT]

Like others have already stated, check the metal tag on the center section to find the ratio and look for the "L" in the midlle of it to confirm it has a traction lok. They came in all ratios from 3.08 to 4.10, but 99% of the ones I find around here have 3.73s and traction lok.

Thanks, Cobra. I would be VERY excited to find that. That combo--3.73 w/ traction-lok--would be my preference!