I'm looking into swapping a 8.8 to replace my 8" 2.73 open. I've heard of people doing this with no problems. On the other hand I've heard that the yoke is off center. I know that I'll have to remount the spring perches to 43". Will I have to modify the axle tubes to make it fit? What else will I have to do the rear-end?
Need some straight awsers on explorer 8.8 swap
- Thread starter Hydrocarbon
- Start date
Stay away from the explorer rear. this is comming straight from a differential guy.
They are called exploder for a reason.
get your self a 79-98 housing and do what you wish as far as brakes are concerned. Everything interchanges since the houses are the same. 94 center track lock units are a little weak because of the first clutch.
I believe to make an explorer rear fit one side needs to be narrowed 2 inches and if you haven't checked how much custom axles are I'd stay away from it.
They are called exploder for a reason.
get your self a 79-98 housing and do what you wish as far as brakes are concerned. Everything interchanges since the houses are the same. 94 center track lock units are a little weak because of the first clutch.
I believe to make an explorer rear fit one side needs to be narrowed 2 inches and if you haven't checked how much custom axles are I'd stay away from it.
brianj5600
Active Member
My fox 8.8 is roughly 59.5 inches, as measured by me. I've heard sn's are longer by 1.25 on each side.
6Stang7
New Member
That's what we call them at work all the time.
splinterddt
Founding Member
The Explorer 8.8 is weak and the aluminum housing caused it to eat up bearings, just like Jeep rear ends. If you are planning to upgrade, why not find a 9". They are a hellava lot more durable and reliable compared to the 8.8. Not to mention there is no offset problems.
golf4283
Active Member
I have an 8.8 out of a 98 explorer and Im gonna be using it my 400+HP car. I foresee no problems with it so far. The 8.8 is a really strong rear-end and half the people that are badmouthing it are not using it. When I do get mine in and start driving the car around I will have a better understanding I guess. I have inspected the rear end and everyhting seems to be very sturdy and strong. The reason I did not go with a 9 inch was price and the fact that the 8.8 comes with a POSI and 3.73 gears and Disc brakes already installed. It's a lot easier IMO.
splinterddt
Founding Member
The Ford dealership I work at has had a rash of Explorer rear end problems. This stems from the weak housing "flexing" and this eats up bearings. Odds and end pick-ups have simular problems, by nothing like the Explorer. The posi in the 8.8 is ok. Put too much extra power to it and expect to see parts failures. The 9" w/disc brakes are hard to find. The drum set-up is easier to find and a little bickering at the local salvage yard can get you one fairly cheap. If a posi is the main concern, you can pick up a brand new Power Trac locker for around $300.
I don't get it. The Explorer uses the exact same traction lok unit as all the 1/2 ton pickups, vans, and Expeditions. I'm 99% sure the case is the same for all vehicles, just the utility vehicles had the hole for the cross shaft cut for the larger 7/8" pin. I've looked at a lot of Explorer rearends and haven't found one that was damaged.
Fostang said:
brianj5600
Active Member
golf4283
Active Member
Well until my Explorer 8.8 breaks from stress I am just going to keep with it becuase it seems to be a cheap and effective alternative to trying to scrounge up the cash for a 9 inch.
Similar threads
