Different Rear End
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 895
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From: OK
Originally Posted by GreatNorthWoods
Based on that I'm not so sure that rear end would be too wide. I just measured my original F-3 rear end from center of the tire to center of the tire and it was 64.5 inches and 53 from backing plate to backing plate. So, an additional 3/4 of an inch width on each side doesn't sound too bad. I think I'd be willing to go an additional 3/4 of an inch on each side to get a 5 on 4.5 nine inch bolt pattern without having to resort to changing or drilling axles. I also measured the 87 5th Avenue Chrysler rear under my 48 while I was out there and it's only 61 inches from the center of the tire to center of the tire. So, I should be able to run eight inch wheels on the rear with no problem... 
Vern
Vern
hotrod48
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Joined: Feb 2005
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I also used the explorer rear in my 53. It is from a 2000 explorer with disc brakes and is 3.73 trac loc. I was also able to use my stock emergency brake lever and cables. If you leave the brackets on for the sway bar you can also use the sway bar,works out real nice
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 495
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From: Somewhere in da corn,Iowa
Picked up my Explorer rear end today, thanks to Fellro for finding it for me in Homestead at A1. I just have clean it up, move the spring pads in a hair, and put new everything from the axle face out, just to be safe since it is the braking system and I would rather spend the extra money for added security since it is my baby. Do it right the first time and I won't have to go back and do it again.....I think that is how it goes?..haha.
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From: S.C.
I just completed putting a 8.8, 3:55, drum brakes(didn't want disc) rearend from a 94 explorer in this morning. I have 15X8 rims and the edge of the tire is right at the fenders. Now I just have to fabricate a bracket for the emergency brake cables. I think it is a terrific fit of course you will have to cut the spring perches off and weld new ones on I placed mine on the top of the axle instead of the bottom like the explorers came with.
Jaye
Jaye
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back space on 8 inch rim
hello jaye, do you know what the backspace is on your 8 inch rim? I am getting ready to order rims but havent measured for back space yet, how close to the fender are your tires? thanks mike
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Joined: Jul 2005
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What does your 8.8's face to face (drum) measure out to? i went looking and found 3 Explorers in the JY this weekend and they had drum brakes and were about 66" wide. That would mean a BS of 5.5 on an 8" rim is needed to match my 3.5 BS on my steelies with the 61" Dana 44. I run 275's on my wheels and they are about 1.5" from the first board on the bed and would just slightly rub on the stock outer fender if bottoming occured. Are you guys running the mustang type wheels with 5.5 BS?
I'd love to get a better rear and the 31 spline T-lock explorer is a nice unit. I have a 1300 mile trip to make and the 3.08 ratio in the 8.8 would be much better than the 4.11 in my 44 with a close ratio C-6. It screams now!
Thanks
Dave
I'd love to get a better rear and the 31 spline T-lock explorer is a nice unit. I have a 1300 mile trip to make and the 3.08 ratio in the 8.8 would be much better than the 4.11 in my 44 with a close ratio C-6. It screams now!
Thanks
Dave
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Purdue
Check out wranglers w/ the dana 44 option, they're probably pretty expensive but you might find a deal and they are pretty close to the 8.8 width but stronger, of course if you don't need the strength I would go w/ 8.8 because its FORD
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Brett Foote
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I run built 8.8's in my drag stang an have tons of parts available. I can easily rebuild one and am familiar with their workings. The Jeep would be a hard find here anyways. I have 3 exploders available to K-ball from and would like to hit one up if possible. The wide spacing is confusing though. I want to run some 17" Torque Thrust 2's on it. What's the width of the MII front disc face to disc face?
Dave
Dave
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 831
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From: sacramento
explorers are 59.5 inches wms to wms. Which from my understanding is a little narrower than stock, could be perfect with the more deep dish style 10.5 inch wide bullets and cobra Rs, I don't know?
I am still in the planning stages but plan on a mark vii donor for the drivetrain. It has rear discs but is wider at about 62 inches. It would be nice to use it and save some $ but would be tempted to buy a explorer 8.8 and use the whole shooting match, rear leafs, sway bar, shock mounts etc. Of course if my lincoln donor does not have a LSD its a no brainer.
I am still in the planning stages but plan on a mark vii donor for the drivetrain. It has rear discs but is wider at about 62 inches. It would be nice to use it and save some $ but would be tempted to buy a explorer 8.8 and use the whole shooting match, rear leafs, sway bar, shock mounts etc. Of course if my lincoln donor does not have a LSD its a no brainer.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Actually, you're right. It's a lincoln 8.8 that was the 64 or so inches with ABS. The Explorer's are just as wide as a mustang 4 lug 8.8 and that's as you said 59.5". I should have had my papers in front of me last night. Too much thinking about two different projects, at that late hour, will really play with your head.
I can't see a 10" wheel fitting without running the fat fenders or mini-tubbing the bed. The lincoln rear sounds like the ticket with it's discs but will the idea above work with the 5.5 BS? It's 28 spline will still be sufficient for my needs.
You can see my 15x8 with 3.5BS wheels here http://www.geocities.com/davemmt/Pumpkin1.html
Thanks
Dave
I can't see a 10" wheel fitting without running the fat fenders or mini-tubbing the bed. The lincoln rear sounds like the ticket with it's discs but will the idea above work with the 5.5 BS? It's 28 spline will still be sufficient for my needs.
You can see my 15x8 with 3.5BS wheels here http://www.geocities.com/davemmt/Pumpkin1.html
Thanks
Dave
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From: S.C.
When I measured my explorer rear end I came up with 60" if you look at my gallery you can see how close the tires are to the fenders with 15X8 smoothies. There are also a couple of shots of the leaf spring setup.
Jaye
Jaye
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 831
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From: sacramento
I love the pumpkin color I had a hard time finding a width on the lincoln rearend I know the crown vics are that wide but was hoping to use the lincoln rearend, there goes another $500 for an explorer rearend springs etc The 3.55 gears will be nice anyway. I like the idea of the exploder springs and rubber bushings and what not. I will leave it sprung under, may have to notch frame I guess.
Nice truck Jay, what size are your tires you are right not much bigger than that under there.
I had a hard time finding a width on the lincoln rearend I know the crown vics are that wide but was hoping to use the lincoln rearend, there goes another $500 for an explorer rearend springs etc The 3.55 gears will be nice anyway. I like the idea of the exploder springs and rubber bushings and what not. I will leave it sprung under, may have to notch frame I guess.Nice truck Jay, what size are your tires you are right not much bigger than that under there.
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