My 8.25 has seen better days. I plan on getting my 35s on this summer, my question is what ford model is the target. A ranger or explorer hope to find one with 3.55 ratio.

 

96+ Explorer. Make sure you get one w/good rotors so you can use that and brake pads. I had to pick through about 3 Explorers to get a good set of everything. Also just grab the 4:10s. If you want 35s, there is no reason to grab 3:55. I don't think that's even available. Only 3:73 and up.

 

is this a bolt in, leafs, u-joint, wheels? As far as the brakes will I need a new master or brake valving? Thanks-Ron

 

if you want one with 4.10s limited splip and disk brakes go to local pick and pull and check the door tag. under axle it should say D2

This is not a direct bolt in. you will need to cut off perches and wled new ones on(or ubes), get a flange adapter, and switch some braklines around. o and shock mounts

It is also 1.25" narrower if you care

as far as braking goes if you have a double diaphram bosster already that would be great if not you can switch to one. and the paportioning vavle off of a zj will work for disks in rear

I have not done this yet but hope to soon as soon i can find one that i dont have to pay more than $175 for and i dont have to drive more than 150 miles for

 

I got mine for $99 at the pullnpay.

It is definitely not bolt in. As said before, you'll have to cut off the perches and and shock tabs. Weld new ones in, weld the tubes.

I bought the 8.8 kit from Ruff Stuff specialties. It was about $200 w/shipping and heavy duty cover. http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/...ine-p-186.html

You can grab a flange adapter for the 8.8 to mate to your driveshaft for $24 http://www.alljeep.com/oscommerce/pr...ucts_id=167208

Or grab one off a Ford Ranger at they JY.

You use your stock e-brake cables. For the brake lines, I plugged them into my stock jeep lines w/no problems.

I passed up a few w/LSD because I wanted to install an Aussie. If you get an axle w/LSD and later want to do a locker, you have to replace the carrier.

 

is the flange adaptor on all the rangers or just select ones? which ones would have them?

 

I think you can use any, but I'd probably stick to a 96+ 4x4 ranger. I've even heard you can grab one off a Crown Vic.

 

thanks

 

I thought most rangers came with a 7.5 rear?

 

No, they came w/the 8.8 as well. The only thing is that they were 28 spline axles, vs 31. At least until 02, the FX4 came out w/4:10s and 31 spline axles.

 

As mentioned, not direct bolt in. Removing old mounts and welding on new ones at correct angle, not hard if you can weld.

Also for rear brakes, since you've got the system open already replace the rubber hose with a rear hose from a YJ, its about 5" longer and probably around $13 or so. Not needed, but good insurance against stretching the hose off the frame while wheeling.

 

hold out for one with disk brakes and 4.10s cause 3.55 and 35s are gonna suck.

 

is there any reason to not use a rearend from a 91-94 explorer if your not worried about getting disk brakes?

 

If you can't find a 8.8 that already has the 4.10:1 gear you could always do the swap.. I know it'll cost more but these guys have good parts at a good price.
http://www.buyfordracing.com/shop/pr...=461cPath=3_37

 

Something else to think about... the Explorer Sport Trac came w 31 spline axles. I just finished putting one of those difs in my Mustang.. cheap & easy way to go 31 spline.