Thoughts on Explorer rear end

CarFreakGT · Aug 1, 2011

I have a line on one(complete) from a 98 Explorer for $275. 3.73, limited slip, 65K miles on the vehicle when it was wrecked in front. It's already off of the vehicle. He'll throw in the drive shaft, too, if I want it.

I've been strongly considering this for my 68 coupe, and I think I'm going to go for it. Any definite strong thoughts to the contrary? TIA

68keyblr · Aug 3, 2011

I did this with my '68 coupe and am very happy with the results. You have to change out the yoke to match the drive shaft (or change the yoke on the drive shaft to explorer style). Also you have to weld on the leaf spring mounts at the proper angle to give you the correct pinion angle. I bent the hard brake lines myself and then found some soft lines that would work from a catalog at the local parts shop. I also got new leaf spring plates and u-bolts from the local off road shop.

It's a great mod and not too bad to get installed.

CarFreakGT · Aug 3, 2011

Thanks for the feedback! I've been considering this for quite a while, but family obligations, home remodel, and family life have delayed the wrench time...not a bad problem to have, though!

As I began getting my thoughts together and planning for kicking it up a notch around late September/early October, I ran across this rearend. It's a sign...must...turn...some...wrenches.

331efiblue66 · Aug 4, 2011

I put an explorer axle under my car, but I narrowed it to the correct original width and ordered new alloy axles from Moser. I just laid the shock mount from the explorer on the mustang mount and drilled the holes where they needed to be and used the u-bolts from the explorer. Good luck, and GET WRENCHING!!

68keyblr · Aug 4, 2011

331efiblue66 said:
I put an explorer axle under my car, but I narrowed it to the correct original width

Oh yeah, then there's that!! Sorry forgot to mention that. The explorer pumpkin is offset, so you need to replace the short tube with another long tube and cut to fit. I had to get custom axles as well. I had a local rearend shop freshen it up, change out the axle tubes, cut to fit, weld on the leaf spring perches, install the custom axles, and powder coat it for ~ $900.

CarFreakGT · Aug 4, 2011

331efiblue66 said:
Good luck, and GET WRENCHING!!

Amen, brother. I just got home w/ the rearend and it's a nice one. Great guy that I bought it from, too. Gonna keep in touch and work on my Mustang and his Torino, and hit a few cruise-in's in his 67.

A very good evening!

Rudder · Aug 5, 2011

If i may add my .20 is that the Explorer diff is slightly off-center compared to our centered diffs. You may have some problems if your car is lowered...your DS may hit the tunnel or possibly your mufflers. Oh, and i think the E-brake cables will need modifying as well. I don't have the site on hand but there are plenty of write-ups on how to do this swap and some problems you may encounter. Either way, the 8.8 is a killer unit! Take pics and post 'em up!

68stang351 · Nov 3, 2012

CarFreak, did you ever install this?

Monday I'm picking up the same rear for my 68 Coupe. Anything else I need to be aware of? I searched and am digging through all these threads now.

Thoughts on Explorer rear end

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