Explorer rear end
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Explorer rear end
I'm looking to upgrade my '49 F-1 rear end (Dana 41) to a later model & narrower. The Explorer 8.8 seems the right width but I want the 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern to suit my present wheels. Is there enough meat on the Explorer axles to have drilled to 5/5.5??
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: peyton, colorado
I just looked at mine, Explorer axle with disc brakes. I'd say probably not, but I didn't pull a wheel and measure. What about a 9" from a later f150? I went with an explorer because I was swapping front ends also.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Near Fresno, California
I have a 1987 and a 1989 rear end out of F150 which I thought were 8.8 inch - they are not 9 inchers, anyway. Could they be 8.8?
If so, wouldn't it be better to get one out of a later model F150? They are already set up for the 5 on 5.5.
If so, wouldn't it be better to get one out of a later model F150? They are already set up for the 5 on 5.5.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by WillyB
I have a 1987 and a 1989 rear end out of F150 which I thought were 8.8 inch - they are not 9 inchers, anyway. Could they be 8.8?
If so, wouldn't it be better to get one out of a later model F150? They are already set up for the 5 on 5.5.
If so, wouldn't it be better to get one out of a later model F150? They are already set up for the 5 on 5.5.
Vern
Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; Aug 29, 2006 at 07:22 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Illinois
If you want the 5x5 1/2" bolt pattern, why don't you just use a 57-72 F100 rearend? They are the correct bolt pattern [B]and they will bolt in.[/B]
The Explorer is usually used when you want the smaller car bolt pattern (5x 4 1/2").
The Explorer is usually used when you want the smaller car bolt pattern (5x 4 1/2").
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Originally Posted by truckfarmer
If you want the 5x5 1/2" bolt pattern, why don't you just use a 57-72 F100 rearend? They are the correct bolt pattern [B]and they will bolt in.[/B]
The Explorer is usually used when you want the smaller car bolt pattern (5x 4 1/2").
The Explorer is usually used when you want the smaller car bolt pattern (5x 4 1/2").
Last edited by al37ford; Aug 29, 2006 at 08:52 AM.
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From: Riverside, So Cal
Originally Posted by al37ford
I didn't give full details as to why the switch but its the width. I need about 2 1/2" to 3" narrower than the 61" (flange to flange) Dana to accomodate my current wide wheels & tires retaining the 5 x 5 1/2. I don't want mini tubs in the box nor widening the fenders.
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Yea, I guess thats last straw. I also wanted the Explorer as they are available with posi & lo ratio (hi numerical) to go with my AOD trans. Saving $$$!! BTW, what is the stock flange to flange (where the wheel meets the flange) width of a '57-'72 F-100 9"? The lists around show everything else but, tho I may be missing some, this!
Last edited by al37ford; Aug 29, 2006 at 12:01 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Riverside, So Cal
The sticky at the top of the forum page called "Reference Threads" contains this:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-for-fte.html
It should answer your questions and give you a good start.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-for-fte.html
It should answer your questions and give you a good start.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: sacramento
My friend has an explorer rearend with 5 on 5.5 , I can't remember if he is running drums or discs. We are into jeeping so he runs dutchman shafts mostly for strenght issues. So I know it can be done, you could probably redrill the stock stuff. I will PM him and ask what the drill is, heck he may have some redrilled stock shafts laying around.
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Originally Posted by Gary E
My friend has an explorer rearend with 5 on 5.5 , I can't remember if he is running drums or discs. We are into jeeping so he runs dutchman shafts mostly for strenght issues. So I know it can be done, you could probably redrill the stock stuff. I will PM him and ask what the drill is, heck he may have some redrilled stock shafts laying around.
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Ok thanks, this is an info gathering forum so all thoughts are appreciated! I just came across a '90 Ranger PU that was rolled on the weekend. Reading the tech articles I get that the Ranger rear is slightly narrower than the Explorer and also has 28 spline axles, not 31's like the Explorer & Aerostar. I ran the code past the Ford dealer though & its a posi (oops!) and 3.73 gears which is perfect for me! Just wondering if the 4x4 Rangers which this is , could be 31 spline?? Also wondering what aftermarket axles with 5x5.5 bolt pattern sell for?