8.8" Ford Explorer Rear End

[Shak]

Has anyone ever used this type of rear end in their AD. My truck didn't come with a usable rear end. The 94-03 Explorer rear ends are 59 1/2" long, most are limited slip with 3.73 gears, and they have disc brakes. I'm new to truck rebuilding and looking for advice. I'm trying to keep things inexpensive and can pick one up relatively cheap, in good shape. Since I'm putting an IFS front end on, I can get the front with the same 5 x 4.5 bolt pattern. Any thoughts from those of you with much more experience?

BTW, this site is awesome and I've learned tons already from reading some of your builds. Thanks.

[PurdueSD]

I uesd one in my build. some items of note...

-poor mans 9"
- a touch too narrow, will need wheel spacers or mini tubs. my narrow bias skinnies are flush with the bedsides.
- they have a supper nice, easily adaptable e-brake setup
-they are a c-clip style so a little more of a pain to pull an axle.
-the axle tubes are 3-1/4". not the typical 3" that all the perch/u-bolt kits come with
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[N.T.Q]

I rebuilt one from a pick yard got it for 75 bucks but the brake parts are not cheap at all, I believe the rotors were 70.00 each and the calipers were 45.00 each, also if you pull the axles check the bearings they are common to go out and cut into the axle. check out this site for some pointers http://www.thingsthatgo.ca/forum/vie....php?f=10&t=57

[mr48chev]

They are getting pretty popular because they have good gear ratios , limited slip and are a decent width.

There should also be enough of them around most areas so that a guy can pick and choose and get one with good brake parts and good internal parts.

The advice on checking the axles for wear holds true on the Camaro/Nova rear ends that are pretty popular.

Even though some of the parts might be a bit expensive they should be readily available at most any parts house or you should be able to find a replacement rear axle at most larger wrecking yards if you are on a long road trip and something goes bad on one. A lot of the trick after market parts might bring a big wow factor from onlookers but sitting in a motel half way between here and there for several days because you have to wait for a special ordered part to come red label on the brown truck isn't fun. If your engine breaks, no matter what engine you have it probably means getting a trailer and hauling the truck home but a bad wheel bearing, brake part that all the sudden fails shouldn't tie you up more than the time it takes to find parts and replace them.

[itstheshu]

I was able to get an 8.8 out of a Lincoln mark VIII that is 62" wide. It has 3.27 gears, disc brakes, and is a locker. So don't think an Explorer is your only option.
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[Henney]

Does the 2" pinon offset matter. Looking to put one in a '49 truck.

[OrrieG]

No, a little offset is required to make universals work efficiently, just need to adjust the driveline length for the slight increase in length.

[Rc4mike]

I have one in my 59. Have 4 pt triangulated suspension. Only driver around neighborhood but seems to be working great so far