Anyone have specs of the 95 and up rear disc explorer 8.8, or a link to one? particularly axle shaft lengths (I believe they're 31 splines), backing plate bolt hole dimensions, bearing sizes, etc.... I'm putting together a little database of rear end specs, and I don't have much on the explorer. TIA

 

Well so far I've found everything but the backing plate bolt pattern. Perhaps they are the same on all 8.8's, but I have my doubts. here;s what I found on 1995-2000 Explorer rear disc axles.

Axle shafts: 1.32" diameter. Left side: 30.50" Right side:27.625" 31 splines.

Bearing PN from Napa: BRGR1559TV which is the same as F150's and Broncos.

Axle tube diameter: 3.25" Total length of axle: 59 3/4" or thereabouts.

Rotor thickness where it mounts to axle: .250"

Driveshaft adapter PN: Spicer 2-2-1379

Centerline of housing to centerline of pinion: offset to passenger side 3.875"

Pinion offset: P/S to C/L of Pinion, 27-3/4" (no rotor on axle), D/S to C/L of Pinion, 31-5/8" (no rotor on axle).

Weight: about 174 lbs....60 lbs heavier than the tbird/mustang 8.8

In comparison, my 1989 F150 8.8 has axle shaft lengths: Left side 33.19" and Right side 31.06"
The Explorer is also wider than the Ranger.

According to my Moser catalog, which focuses on cars, IE: Mustangs: the backing bolt holes are (centerlines on all) upper horizontal: 3.410" lower horizontal: 3.076" and vertical 1.680" center diameter is 2.840" If these jibe with the Explorer, then I'll be good to go. Hopefully someone can clarify this. I'm doubting these are right though, as the Mustang is probably smaller.

Oh, and the explorer axle tube is 1/4" thick.

 

Havi, do you like answering your own posts?

Kidding aside, where are you going to keep this info, and will it be available for the public to view?

I have similar questions about all my trucks, especially all the technical information.

Is there a place to look up all the changes in trucks over the years?

Tranny type and model numbers
Axle types and tech information.
ETC., ETC.

 

Darren, I'm just sorting everything out that I have laying out back. I plan on buying axle alignment jigs and doing some custom narrowing in the future. I have enough projects of my own to justify it, lol.

Oh, and yes, I just bought a 5 subject notebook to condense all this crap into.

 

With the center section being offset like you said for the Explorer diff, does that create any problems using them on our F100's.

 

Sounds like fun, I am in the process if collecting parts for a SAS into a FSB and a 2wd to 4wd SAS conversion on a Ranger. Looking for technical specs is a "need" for me too. (I should write this all down in a notebook too).

Your axle narrowing endeavor sounds good, like you I have about 4 projects in the works and no time. I just got to get to them, one at a time! That is FINISH on then do the next.

I hope you can provide your info on FTE when you can.
thanks!

 

Most, if not all, center sections are off set, just to keep needle bearings lubed.
But how much will it negatively affect one in an F100 is another question.

If Havi is doing custom axles and housings I am sure a 8.8 can be modified to near factory specs of a 9inch. The question is why put a 8.8 inch in, inplace of a 9 inch?

 

The question is why put a 8.8 inch in, inplace of a 9 inch?I can have a differetial from a wrecked 96 Explorer this spring as soon as we can tow it to the dump, he won't let me take it until then seeing as the front end is toast he needs the rear axle intact, I was just thinking about it because of the rear disc brakes and the fact that it is narrower than the diff I have now, it would allow deeper dished rims out back, that's all

 

I see, rear discs are a plus, sounds like a fun project too!
Keep us posted on the swap.

 

darren, I've put 66 Bronco axles under an 87 Bro. II. It wasn't too bad.

 

I figure converting my Ranger to 4wd will be straight forward too. I think locating the correct transfercase and a solid D44 or D35 will be the hard part.
(my location is hard on shipping and finding parts at recycle yards in tough).
Plus most people junk their old trucks with no regards to parts that can be used. I have to be in the right place at the right time.

I'll get in touch with you when I start my Ranger project. 66-77 Front ends would be ideal for me. Newer jeep stuff might too.

 

I've mentioned before that the Explorer is a direct swap, short of pinion angle, and that 40" is the center to center of the pads. I was wrong, it is 39.5" So when rotating the pads to align pinion, they have to go outward 1/4" each side. I apologize for anyone's mishaps on my account.

Secondly, I've read on the HAMB that Explorer disc brakes do fit on the 9" housing. I just have to figure out which bolt pattern 9" they're talking about. If it is the 57-72 small bearing, then I say we're in luck! I don't think it is, though.

 

while were on the subject of newer for rearends.....Not being real savvy with fords, are the newer rear ends (like the explorer) offset like the older 9"?

 

Yes. pinion centerline offset to passenger side 3.875"

 

Thanks for that info. I am sure the questions will keep coming.