So I just bought a 1995 f-150 extended cab and short bed it has the 5.0 auto trans and only 79000 miles. I was able to prove the miles using the a car fax.
it has either a limited slip or open 3.08 how hard is it to change a 8.8 ring and pinion or would it be better to find a whole unit. Im looking to get 3.73 at least.
I have read the explorers are pretty common to find them in. does any one know if the whole axle is near the same width ?




interior has zero rips





the paint is not faded or peeling any where





dads a goof ball





he likes my truck.

 

that is a nice truck.


gears are a job for the experienced DIY'er. if oil changes and brakes are all you've done, might want to pay someone to do it.


either way, you could take a look at youtube to see how to properly set up gears, that's the only "unconventional part"...the rest is just turning bolts.


not a hard job by any stretch of the imagination, but done wrong can cause catastrophic failure of your turning parts and in exteme cases, the housing also.

 

I'm not 100% sure, but I'd be very surprised if the Explorer axles are the same width as the F-150. I know the trucks aren't the same width.

By the way, in a Ford that's a SuperCab. "Extended Cab" is a GM term.

And really nice find!

 

I overlooked the exploder question. they are narrower by around 6", as they are the minitruck axle shared with the ranger. youd have to do work to make it fit, and then it would look downright goofy. you could run gigantic spacers or huge wheel offset but thatd be kind of hack.


axles from e150's of the late 80s are direct swap, or swapped with little work. either way you are going to be hard pressed to find 3.73 factory axles so I'd plan on spending the dough going new.


if money isn't an issue you could just supercharge and leave the axle alone.

 

What size tires do you plan to run and what is the intended usage of the truck (daily driver, hauler, etc..?) Aftermarket gear sets can be had in 3.55, 3.73, 3.90, 4.10, and then some. A used axle in these trucks will be 3.31, 3.55, or 4.10. 4.10's aren't too common.

Extremely nice truck, by the way.

 

The explorer and some rangers got an 8.8 rear axle but it won't fit a fullsize truck, the gear set itself will work though. 3.73 was not an option in fullsize trucks but was in the smaller trucks, but 3.55 was very common in the big trucks and even that would be a good upgrade from 3.08.

 

okay thats what i thought about the rangers rear end. I have replaced heads, intakes, trannsmissions, clutches but I have never attempted to replace the differential ring and pinions yet. How much do you think it might be to replace at a shop?

 

i have a 94-97 f250 4:10 lsd if youre interested im in Harford county md
363

 

If you've done those things you should go ahead and do the swap yourself. Check out some videos or a good article on how to do it and you'll be fine.

 

At least $300 - $500 labor. A general rule of thumb I've heard is ~$1000 / axle to regear in a shop, including parts.