Ranger_Danger_
Ranger Gal
Joined: Tue Nov 14th, 2017
Posts: 229
Name: Kaylee Dale ... Occupation: Parts Counterperson ... Interests: Dirt Bikes, Trucks, Off-Roading ...
Reputation Points: 229
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As some of you guys may know, I bought an Explorer whole with a title for $500 from a dealership. Well, I am finally reaping the rewards of my very lucky find.
I pulled the 8.8 31 spline axle out and put it in my Ranger.
Now while some may think "oh it must be a direct swap" THIS IS FAR FROM A DIRECT SWAP!!!
To be honest, the only similarity is the 5x4.5 bolt pattern.
The Explorers came with a lot of things the Ranger didn't.
Disc Brakes, Factory Traction bars(Least on the V8s, not sure about the V6s), an extra set of shocks(to "center the axle" and prevent rollover as the Explorers are quite top-heavy), different shock mounting locations, and the all bearing difference, leaf springs mounted UNDER the axle, instead of OVER like our little trucks are.
Now, to make this axle go under your truck, you're going to need a few things...
Ruffstuff Specialties make a flip kit. While this kit is also not a direct swap, it has the meat & potatoes to get you started. I linked it in a previous forum topic, but I will link again. https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/88SS-31.html
This kit contains leaf spring perches, shock tabs, new super beefy u-bolts, mounting plate, along with the nuts and washers. I personally used this kit, and it was good for the application, but it does have some design flaws that I will cover later in this post.
If you get the 31 spline kit, you WILL have to shave the bottom two little tabs on the perch mounts to make it sit flush with the axle tubes. I called the company and they verified this is a universal kit and will have to be modified depending on application.
You weld the perches onto the axle. I believe the measurements were 39 and change, I do not remember exact measurements at this second. Just measure from top perch bolt to bolt.
Weld those badboys on. To do this kind of welding, you need, at least, a 220V welder. Because those axle tubes are extremely thick and need to get super super hot to melt it to that perch.
Another issue while mounting the axle to the truck, the traction bar mounts will get in the way of the leaf spring plate when tightening. We ended up bending mine to get them out of the way.
One more issue, the bottom nut for the leaf springs is too wide for the RuffStuff perches, we had to drill and make the hole just a smidge bigger to fit. (I would do this before welding them on, as you could risk damaging the axle tube when drilling)
Next is shock tabs. One issue, the tabs RuffStuff sells are 1/2" holes, the bolts (If I remember right) are 7/16". You can use the factory bolts. I ended up leaving my shocks just dangling and having my buddies weld on the tabs for me. There is a plate/mount left on the Explorer axle where the driver side shock goes, we ended up just welding the tabs onto that.
Next issue. BRAKES (yayyy)
Drum and Disc brakes have differences(obviously duh). The stock Ranger parking brake cable WILL NOT reach. It rubs the driver rear tire. You will need a longer cable. (I have yet to find one so I will update when I cross this bridge).
Other difference. The brake lines ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. My boyfriend ended up using the hardline from the 7.5" rear, and ended up using the front brake lines off of the Explorer to make the rears work and had to flare his own and basically custom make the lines for me. (I was at work when this process happened so I am not too knowledgeable what happened exactly to make it work). We ended up zip-tieing most of the brake lines to keep them from dragging until I can make nice brackets.
This was an almost week long process for me, but I hope this helps some people into swapping the 8.8 31 spline axle under their Rangers.
KEEP YOUR OLD AXLE UNTIL YOU ARE DONE! You will need certain hardware and bolts. Keep everything. Do not throw anything out until you are driving with the 8.8 under the truck. I speak from experience.
(I used my rock lights to get light at night haha)
Here are some pics:
____________________
"So Many Ideas. So Little Money."
"If You Ain't First, You're Last."
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2007 Honda Accord 2.4L(New Daily)
2005 Ranger 2.3L 2WD XLT (My Baby)
2000 Explorer 5.0L 2WD Eddie Bauer (Donor)
2008 Yamaha YZ85(Toy)
2008 Honda CRF230L(My 2nd Toy)
2021 Ford F-150 Eco 2.7L (Boyfriend's DD)
1984 Mustang (Boyfriend's Project)
2009 Kawasaki KLR650(Boyfriend's 2nd Toy)
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