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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

explorer diff in a 56

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Old Sep 5, 2005 | 05:08 PM
  #1  
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explorer diff in a 56

Has anyone used an explorer 8.8 in a 56 f-100? they seem to have the same spring width and looks to be a direct bolt in. I have a chance to pick one up for a reasonable price, so can anyone advise me on using this diff. thanks
 
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Old Sep 5, 2005 | 05:35 PM
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lt56
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Have read that it will work.Advantage is rear disc brakes ,lighter than 9 inch,should also have speed sensor that some motor swaps need.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2005 | 06:14 PM
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utahstroke
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The 8.8 works great, you will need to relocate the spring purches. 95 and later have disc brakes, 3.73 is a common ratio. You may also consider one with the Posi feature. Also the tubes are 3.250 dia. The purches can bo found at many Jeep 4x4 outlets. The Exploder rearend is very popular with the Jeep boy's & girls aswell. Good Luck and Best Wishes!!
 
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Old Sep 6, 2005 | 04:36 PM
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1-2 hours to install, real easy, do per Stroke's ideas, look in my gallery. Cost in Denver, 200-400 bux. Exploders with the Tow package and those sold in mountain regions have the posi. Mine is 3:73 posi, Good luck, and remember to set the pinion angle. Look it up in J.Niolon's page, he has the lo down.
 
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 08:07 AM
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thanks for all the great advice guy's, El Cabron your truck looks awesome! great progress
 
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Old Sep 10, 2005 | 12:18 AM
  #6  
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edsf100
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Got one in mine. Works just fine.
 
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Old Oct 6, 2005 | 02:40 PM
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Hi guys, I've got a 1953 F-100, and bought a 2000 explorer rear w/discs. The thing that I'm trying to figure out is the driveshaft... not where to get one made, or anything, been there, done that on other trucks. I've just never seen the round multi holed 'yoke' thing before on the rear axle.

Do I need to buy a different yoke to replace this one for the u-joints? Does something bolt to this that holds the U-joints? Can you give me some part numbers and sources of what you guys who have been there/done that used? Thanks!

Ben
 

Last edited by bcarlson; Oct 6, 2005 at 02:41 PM. Reason: typo
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Old Oct 6, 2005 | 02:45 PM
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mt54
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All you need is the yolk that bolts to that flange, and yes the u-joints mount to it, many doners avial, ranger, explorer, most anthing with the 8-8 will have the bolt on yolk you need.
good luck
Mike
 
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Old Oct 6, 2005 | 03:11 PM
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As mentioned above the ones with the tow package have a trac-lock (limited slip for you ch**y guys). Many of the trac-lock ones are 4.10s as well. The 3.73 is extremely common with the open rear. I think they go as far as 3.27s.

The 4.88 is as low as I have seen that was supposed to be factory (can't prove it was though). The 95+ are disk brakes.

The trac-lock is fiber/metal disk setup similar to an automatic transmission and can be rebuilt when it wears out. Another thing to note is that all (all years) the explorer 8.8s were 31 spline. The rangers are all 28. Thats part of why the X is more popular with jeepers and ranger owners (also accounts for the higher cost).

My 01 X has a 4.10 trac-lock w/disk brake setup. I really like it.

I don't have a clue if the housing is the same width, but the 90-96 aerostar (4.0 OHV) has an 8.8 as well. They have a coil spring and trac-bar setup, but the gears and everything are the same. I know the explorer has been used under the f-100, but has anyone used an aerostar? Should be cheaper and easier to find.
 

Last edited by Brian_B; Oct 6, 2005 at 03:18 PM.
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Old Oct 7, 2005 | 07:29 AM
  #10  
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bcarlson
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Question answered, thanks!

Thanks guys for answering my question... I figured it was pretty simple like that, but I also was looking at these $150-200 8.8" yokes in Summit, and was kinda thinking maybe the salvage yard took me...

Take care,

Ben
 
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