Ford 8.8 rear end swap issues.

[vannatta20]

I got a great deal on a explorer rear with 3.73 with a trac loc. I have the rear mocked up now and the problem is the pinon offset. This is causing my 3.5 inch diameter driveshaft to hit the crossmember. I would have to trim into about 2 inches of the the passenger side opening to get this to work. Is it safe to trim it? The offset is 2 and 3/16in.

[airdale94]

Are you matching your offset with your old rear end?

[vannatta20]

Here's a pic. I need to trim the passenger side hole out for clearance. I can't match the offset of the old rear end. The ford rear would be 2 inches longer on one side if I did.

[vannatta20]

[TwinsSpeedShop]

when we used them in the jeeps, we centered the yoke which offset it to one side and had to run the correct width spacer on one side to make the difference up. I wouldn't run it off center like it is now

[airdale94]

Sorry, I was thinking pinion "angle". 2" seems alot to me also. Is that how much the Explorers run. I always thought you diddn't want any. But apparently some is designed in. I just did a 14bolt swap and I had about 1". This was normal as was stated in another post. I don't know what the Eaton had. I know there's a few on here with 9" fords not sure what the offset is on one of those. I know the 8.8 is suppose to be almost exact width for Chevelles, and swapped.

[vannatta20]

I've read the offset is fine for the u joints. Im just stuck because the drive shaft hits the crossmember because of it. I am already planning on using wheel adapters on both sides to convert the bolt pattern so I cant cheat it over to one side. Im stuck...

[Boog]

If you just have to use that rearend then notch the crossmember to the right and add that amount removed to the left side of the opening. In essence you are just moving the driveshaft opening to the right 2 inches or so. Strength shouldn't be a question then.