9 inch vs. Explorer L73
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 859
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From: Newberg, OR
The base model Explorer has 28 spline axles and no TracLoc. I believe that this configuration is the same as the Ranger truck. Lots of sources out there on the web, here is just one: The Ford Explorer 8.8-Inch Axle Swap
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Cuba, AL (NO internet)
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,096
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From: Brentwood, TN
but this article seems to imply all Explorers have the 31 spline axle and 3-1/4" tube. It says "The 8.8-Inch axle used in the Explorer is highly desirable because it came with 31-spline axles over the typical 28-spline found in the Ranger version." I still can't find anything that says some Explorers have 28 spline axles. I'm about to pay a man for an 1999 Explorer 3L73 rear end and would like to know a bit more about this issue.
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Elder User
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From: Newberg, OR
Now I'm good. Post #10 sounded to me like only the XLT has the stronger axles. The one on CL I'm looking at is a 3L73 out of a 99 with 5.0. Depending on how much I can get for my 9 inch i might be able to get what I want for not out of pocket cost and that definitely meets my low budget goals. Thanks for all the info.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Newberg, OR
I bought this today. How come these projects always snowball. I did not know that trucks with a 5.0 had trac bars. The guy I bought it from told me the trac bar really helps when under hard acceleration. Hmm, another thing to consider.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Prescott AZ.
I went with the 9" but because I found a a complete truck rear end out a 62 and got it for 50 bucks. I also had several 9" center sections in my pile of stuff. I put in a 3.50 detroit locker at first and it really sucked, jerked every time I went around a corner. Stayed with the 3.50 gears but got rid of the locker. The old truck housing is a bolt in modification, even the shock mounts worked. I stayed with the straight axle in front so having the 5x5.5 bolt pattern on all four corners worked for me. I have cars with both the 9" and 8.8" rear ends, they are both good choices.
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Austin
Hey Dan,
We've got that same Explorer 8.8 in our '50. We didn't end up using that rear stabilizer bar - couldn't make it fit. It doesn't effect our truck's performance that I can notice. We aren't doing any drag racing just normal around town & highway driving. So if you can't make it fit - I wouldn't sweat it.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
We've got that same Explorer 8.8 in our '50. We didn't end up using that rear stabilizer bar - couldn't make it fit. It doesn't effect our truck's performance that I can notice. We aren't doing any drag racing just normal around town & highway driving. So if you can't make it fit - I wouldn't sweat it.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Lead Driver
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From: Brentwood, TN
Here is an old post where I discussed the Shroeder anti-sway bar https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-sway-bar.html This setup is the cleanest and most effective that I have ever seen, gotta be why the pros run it. What is seldom discussed however is when you run one of these setups you can run softer springs which will improve the ride substantially...maybe the wife would even agree to go with you on a longer trip than just to the local mall.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Newberg, OR
One link above includes a pinion yoke adapter the fits the small Ford flange pattern. Here is the Spicer adapter that I need for the Explorer rear end. It has a "large" pinion flange with a 4.25 inch dia. 8 bolt pattern. This takes a Spicer
Dana Spicer 2-2-1379
Dana Spicer 2-2-1379 Flange Yoke 1310 series to fit Ford 8.8 inch rear end pinion flange. LARGE Ford bolt pattern
1310 Series Ford Flange Yoke to fit Ford 8.8 inch rear ends with Large Bolt Pattern. Designed for the LARGE Ford bolt pattern typically found on Full Size Ford Cars, Light Trucks and Cobra Mustang 8.8 rear ends.
LARGE Bolt pattern measures square 3 inches by 3 inches
Bolt Circle = 4.25 inches
Center Pilot Hole Diameter is 2.0 inches
CL to Face = 1.625 inches
1310 series
3.219 between snap rings (3 7/32 inches)
1.062 bearing cap diameter (1 1/16 inches)
Dana Spicer 2-2-1379
Dana Spicer 2-2-1379 Flange Yoke 1310 series to fit Ford 8.8 inch rear end pinion flange. LARGE Ford bolt pattern
1310 Series Ford Flange Yoke to fit Ford 8.8 inch rear ends with Large Bolt Pattern. Designed for the LARGE Ford bolt pattern typically found on Full Size Ford Cars, Light Trucks and Cobra Mustang 8.8 rear ends.
LARGE Bolt pattern measures square 3 inches by 3 inches
Bolt Circle = 4.25 inches
Center Pilot Hole Diameter is 2.0 inches
CL to Face = 1.625 inches
1310 series
3.219 between snap rings (3 7/32 inches)
1.062 bearing cap diameter (1 1/16 inches)
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