Iv got a ford 8.8 that im picking up next week and im not putting it in until i lock it, im leaning towards a lunchbox locker because of the price, it has an lsd so my question is will a carrier out of an older 8.8 fit in the 96-01 axles? or are they different?

 

what is the older locker out of, got to remember that the 8.8 in the rangers mustangs f series are different spline count then the explorer

 

One problem with the 8.8 is that it has a weak carrier. Because of that a full locker is going to be much stronger, also with the need to replace the carrier because of the LSD you have to take into account the cost of a open carrier in the price difference between a lunch box and full locker. Also the older 8.8s were 28 spline not 31 so I don't know if they will work or need to be clearanced to work.

 

i guess i should find out first if the older explorers have 31 spline carriers,
as for strength its what i can afford for now and im sure itll be stronger than my dana 35

 

I just did this and a new carrier is only about 90 bucks. So if thats in your budget its always nice to have new parts..

 

wow well at 90 plus 320 for an aussie shipped to me im at 410, a detroit would be 480 from a guy on ebay
i was thinking of getting an open carrier out of an older explorer with an 8.8 that has the drum brakes (thats all my jy has) and put it in mine.

 

spline count shouldnt matter on the carrier, as long as you are putting in a 31 spline lunch box locker.

a chrysler 8.25 27 spline carrier can house 29 spline axles as long as the spider gears are replaced with 29 spline versions or a 29 spline locker.

 

That is something to consider.. but you should be able to fimd an aussie cheaper then that, I think I paid 280 for mine...

 

thanks for the help duffman,
where did you pay 280 at?

 

Northridge4x4.... I just checked and they are 279.95 with free shipping hope it helps...