97badass

iTrader: (8)

Ok more like questions about one.

I picked up a free 8.8 tonight its from a ranger so one side is shorter than the other and the guy said it has 26 or 28 spline axles...
I want it to be 4 inches total shorter for the fbody so that eliminates using my axle tubes!

What size pipe do I use to make the tubes?

How can I make the rear use my factory brakes?

I'm still in the process of searching so go easy on me.

moge11

use your axle tubes but cut em 2 inches shorter per side.....

hiltsy855

iTrader: (35)

Not sure why you can't use your 10-bolt tubes. But it depends on the diameter of the axle tubes in the Ranger. The Ranger 8.8s I found have 3" OD tubes and probably have 3/16" or 1/4" wall thickness. Since the 10-bolt has 2 5/8" tubes they might just fit or have to be machined to fit into the 8.8.

97badass

iTrader: (8)

Yeah I'm still going to attempt it by cutting the 8.8 tubes with a bandsaw.

Then cut my tubes in 3 spots.removing 2 inches off the outside end welding the flanges back on getting moser axles and running a mini ladder bar setup.

I will try to keep this thread updated. the rearend was free, might as well try.

97badass

iTrader: (8)

Started on it tonight.

Got the cover and drums off and now trying to find an 8mm wrench to remove the pin to check the axle spline and remove the diff

97badass

iTrader: (8)

Well its apart minus the diff is still in. 28 spline axles but I should be able to sell the differential to offset some cost.

moge11

why on earth would you cut the ends off when you can cut 2 inches off the inside and just slide them in??

97badass

iTrader: (8)

Won't the spring perches be in the wrong spot then? Or am I missing something?

moge11

yeah. youre right. i was drunk lol

97badass

iTrader: (8)

I was hoping at first but its easiest to just cut them off and weld them back on 2 inches shorter.

cantfind2nd

iTrader: (24)

the ranger and explorer rearends are already narrower than an f body. i shortened the long axle tube of an explorer rearend to match the short side axle tube. makes it around -4 each side narrower. so do the math..... im mini tubed and run a 3.5 bs wheel.

97badass

iTrader: (8)

I don't have the funds or the know how to minitub my car. Plus it needs to be able to be daily driven.

cantfind2nd

iTrader: (24)

i drive mine alot. not daily. but why would mini tubs prevent it from being daily driven? i drove mine from iowa to mississippi and back. 4.30 gears and 450 rwhp averaged 25 mpg!

It'llrun

You're planning to get 31 spline stuff next, right? You could go 33, but that's all but pointless anymore.
I call on the economy... Unless you had 33" tires out back.

cantfind2nd

iTrader: (24)

explorers come with stock 31 spline axles. thats what im using two short side axles. and i do less than 2000 rpm in 6th gear at 75. you must be new to ls1s.... lol i have 28 Inch tire.

It'llrun

Okay... Still think it's BS.

97badass

iTrader: (8)

Come on guys this thread isn't about fuel mileage...

As for an update,
The 8.8 if taking a roadtrip tomorrow to work where I will remove the pinion and brake shoes. And have a local guy take his bandsaw to the axle tubes.
On a side note... I found 2 little metal squares in the housing about 3/4 x 3/4 and 1/16 thick... Any idea what those are?

BRUTL

iTrader: (27)

Hey, I'm in the middle of my 8.8 build as well and have some stuff out of my explorer rear you might want. Mine was a 31 spline 4.10 Posi rear. I'm running a Detroit TrueTrac diff unit, so I don't need any of this, I have axles and diff unit with gears. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.

hiltsy855

iTrader: (35)

Brake line holders???

97badass

iTrader: (8)

Inside of the housing?

And thanks for the offer but I'm going with a spool.