I went to Sids in Glencoe and found a set of lower anchor plates with a shock mount saves welding new ones on. Sid thinks they are off a Dodge. Since I had the rear end there I dropped it off and he is going to plasma cut the old perches off and grind out the new ones he has to fit the 3.25" axle. He is also ordering u-bolts he did not have any that short. I should be able to pick everything up tommorrow. Hopefully it will be together this weekend. I am also going to get him to do the drive shaft for me.

 

how hard is it to change a 8.8 from an explorer that has drum brakes to disc? just parts from ford or do i have to buy an expansive kit? thanks RT

 

Not worth the trouble really. You can get the disc braked 8.8's at most U-pull yards for $89 if you are patient.

 

ones in my area want 350.00 for one, i found one that a guy wants 100.oo but it has drum brakes. its out of a 91.

what else do i need to get along with the rear end? what odds an ends? thanks RT

 

Parts from Ford would cost a mint.

Go to www.car-parts.com and enter in 96 ford explorer V8 3.73 is the most common ratio. They start at around $100, they are a dime a dozen because explorers don't last.

 

ok thanks but do i need springs ubolts sway bar etc?

 

Sway bar is up to you, but I wouldn't bother on a solid axle pickup. Other than that you need the standard axle swap stuff - U-bolts, spring plates, spring perches, gear oil. You also want to get the driveshaft off the donor vehicle, exploders use a retarded flange mount on the diff side that is hard to get anywhere.

 

I have to agree with OldJeep I would get the rear end from a newer explorer. The whole rearend is cheaper then the $750.00 conversion kit from drum brakes. Balows Auto Salvage in Lester Prarie MN got $250.00 for a 1998 Explorer rear end.

 

so all i need is the rear end and drive shaft, nothing else?

i found a guy that has one out of a 95 with disc,3.73, and he wants $200

but i just need to know if i need anything else so i can bargain and get all i need with out takeing things i dont need and have to trow it out later

 

OK, OK, GEt the e-brake cables if you are not going to buy the Gennie or Lokar, Get the brake lines with the hose not cut co you can just hook right up to your 3/16" hard line. Real easy. Get the u-bolts, get the nuts, get the plates,get the stablilzer if your tank is not in the rear, get all you can.
I would get the driveshaft if you need one. The flange for this unit is NOT hard to come by. Your DL guy should have many laying around. Mine cost 10 bux. The whole job cost 100.00 and 1 day,it was even painted.Get the bolts ( 4 ) to fit the flange. This is so easy of a task that I am curious why this thread is sooooooo long.

 

Hey EL Cabron, I too live in Denver Metro, and would like to see your progress up close and pick your brain. You are ahead of me in this game. I too was looking at the Explorer rear diff., and was wondering where you got yours, and cost?

 

Hey Twisted56, Just seen your gallery, I Likeeee.. Your ride is drool inducing. I envy you for sure. Anywho...I am near Pecos/ I-36 and I welcome all to my work space to come benchrod and learn/share anytime. Bring your camera if you like. I Don't work so, you can come by anytime. Email is checked in P.M.
Gimmy yer truck............

 

El Carbon, later this week I'll stop by. I'm unable to email you due to my number of post, but you can email.
Thanks, Cedric

 

ok guys i got my rear from a 95 explorer and had to grind the spring perches off to go on the other side. now heres my problem the drive shaft is not in the center of the rear end. does it matter that it came from a 4x4? thanks RT

 

No I am putting one in from 1998 Exploere and it was a 4 x 4 also. The offset will not hurt anything.