Doing the 8.8 Explorer rear end swap in my 49. Does it matter of the rear end comes from a 4X4 or do I have to get the two wheel variety?

 

4X4 diff will be fine. Good luck.

 

Yamagrant,

Thank you for your response. In looking for the rear end, the prices are very low in almost all places except where I am located, TX. I guess my luck would not allow it any other way. I have found a few priced around 500.00 have but did not no if any of the model variance (Sport Trac, 2WD,4X4, 2dr or 4dr made a difference.

 

I used a 98 Explorer rear,31 spline 3.73 trac loc
the earlier ones have drum brakes. Around here junkyards want $250-$300
pull a part about $175

 

I finally found a 1997 Ford 8.8 Explorer with Locker (3L73) and 373 gears that I have been looking for at a reasonable price. Had to drive an hour away to get it but excited that I found one. Forgot to get the hangers and shackles so i think I will call and have them ship those today.

Also landed a 700R4 transmission, taking it to have it built with upgraded parts better suited for my HP and TQ numbers. Fianlly feel like things are coming along. thanks to all the hlepp, advice and encouragement from all that have responded to my pletura of questions.

 

The 4x4 and 2x4 rear-ends are the same. Some have a traction bar type thing. It is probably Just get a tight one with the gears you want. Seems 3.73 is the most common I find.

 

Derek, I sent the 3 1/4" perches today via UPS.

 

Hey Derek,
That's great news on finding your Explorer 8.8 axle!! On some of these things you just have to be patient & keep after it. Look forward to learning more about your transmission upgrades.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Scot,

Yes, mine had that traction bar. Do must people include that when installing the 8.8 on their F1?

 

Ben,

Your right you have to just keep at it. On a mad look for running boards and Front inner fenders now. I also happen to stumble across some threads of your when you were first getting started on your build and was asking for advise regarding the 302 or go with the 351 W. I must admit it made me feel a little better knowing that you too once felt like me (Overwhelmed with the task at hand and the amount of information and knowledge I lack regarding this subject. I am a type A person and require the mastery of a subject or information to feel as thought I have a grasp on things. Ha… with this I am so far away from that, and it is that point that often times makes me crazy…LOL….. Keep a look out for running boards or inner fenders up in your neck of the woods…

 

Really need the forums help. Everything I have read and saw said that the Ford Explorer 8.8 rear end was a great candidate for a swap in my 49. In fact, Ben and others haver them in their trucks now.

I get a call from the guy that is doing the work on my truck and he tells me that my 1997 Explorer 8.8 offset is 4" and that it would cause huge issues in lining things up. I thought the offset on the 8.8 was more like 1 or 2" but was nothing that would cause significant problems that my guy seems to think.

Anyone else run into this problem? Any advice would surely be appreciated….

 

Subscribing....hope this all works out for ya. I'm interested in the results.

 

Hey Derek,
We didn't have any major issues putting it on our '50 & it has the same frame as your's. We are using 1 inch spacers on the back to get the wheels to look right in the fenders.

Ask your mechanic to go through the numbers with you & let us know what
the width issue is that concerns him.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

When you say offset are you talking about the pinion being offset? If that is the case my 9" is offset to the passenger side 3 to 4" as are many that are installed in old trucks with no problems.

 

Hey Derek,
The stock axle measures approx. 61 inches from axle flange to axle flange &
the 8.8 Explorer axle measures 59 inches. The Explorer axle is a tad narrower than the original axle that's why we used the spacers to
make it look right in the wheel well.

This suspension swap has been done by a lot of the members here.

Let us know what your mechanic comes back with on concerns.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1