For those of you that have went with the Explorer 8.8 rear end in your 48-50 F1, are their any modifications that you had to do. Is the Explorer track the same as the F1? Did you have to do anything special to get everything to line up? I am thinking of going with an 8.8 instead of the 8.5 that I currently have and wanted to get some information to make an informed decision. Thanks!!!

 

I used the 2001 Explorer 3:73 rear in my '50; ended up using 3.75 backspaced rims from late 80's Mopar 15" rims to increase the clearance between tire and box. I removed the spring and shock perches to align the pinion angle. I used 1990 Nissan Pathfinder springs, mounted at stock perch location, axle is mounted on top of springs to lower the back by about 3", as I recall.
Couple pics in my gallery under rear install.


Tom