I've read all the threads i could find on these and I'm more then convinced i want to swap my d35 for an 8.8. my question is concerning the axle that has been GIVEN to me. it's an 8.8 L73 Limited Slip 3.73gear ratio, and i'm wondering if it would be wise to use this axle.... oooooor hold out for a 4.10gear ratio. im comfortable with the work required to do the swap and buying the parts required to use it. i just want to know what is wrong if anything with the 3.73 gear ratio.

 

What size tires would you run on it? Does it have disc brakes? And if you have the money, just regear it...nothing is wrong with that ratio, unless you are running 35s and up...even with 33s youd want at least 4.10s though, if you can find a 4.10 thatd be cool, but theres nothing wrong with it being 3.73

 

What ratio is your front D30? You want them matched, or the first time you put it in 4WD you will destroy your transfercase.

 

no it has drums. i would like disc brakes but i cant complain for a free axle. ill be putting 33's on it so i guess i could use the 4.10. will i able to pull the gears out of a 4.10 explorer axle and just throw em in there or is there more work to it? also i would have to regear the front.

 

thank you, i had thought about that. i learned that some cherokee's had a 3.73 so i figured i would find one and pull the gears out of it to match.

 

a free axle is awesome... if you cant use it you could always just trade it off for something else you want

but there is nothing wrong with 3.73's.... i'm currently running an 8.8 with 4.10s and discs and id rather have 4.10s only because you have a better range of tire sizes to run offroad and on and not have to worry about your tranny gear searching while driving

 

What is it out of because there are 28 spline versions that aren't really worth the swap.

 

the axle is out of what i believe is a '94'. explorer eddie bauer i know its the limited slip 3.73 thats all though. ill have more details soon when i pick up the rig. anyone wanna buy some explorer parts? ill be ripping it apart and selling it off aswell.

 

also. can i just remove the gears from an explorer that has a 4.10 and swap em out? or is there more work to it then that?

 

scratch that. it may actually be a 91 explorer.