Explorer 8.8 in 54 F250?
 

My Timken Split Housing Rear End has given up. I am looking for an easy swap and have read the Explorer 8.8 works good in a F100 but will it work ok in a 1954 F250? What issues, if any, will I have coupling it with a 3spd. manual tranny? Do I have to change out the driveshaft? SHOULD I change out the driveshaft? Does the gear ratio on the 8.8 matter or will any Explorer 8.8 work? Will the Explorer drums require any changes in the 54 brake system (I want to keep my stock front drums due to cost) Any info is appreciated.

Different lug pattern, necessitates two wheels for spares. IMO, I'd keep looking for a Dana 60 from the '72 and earlier F250's.

Not concerned about the different lug patterns as it will be used mostly within 20 miles of home and I have a wrecker service to cover tire issues but thanks for pointing the differences out.

If I did use a pre-'72 F250 axle are all of them a Dana? I found a 1967 axle out of a F250 (non camper special) but they can't tell me if its a Dana or not. Is the Dana 60 a direct swap or do I need to change brakes and/or driveshaft?

Dana 60 will have a 60 stamped on it somewhere around the webbing area. They are a nice fit, since they are the right width as your stock axle. Driveshaft mods, I'm not sure, depends I guess.

Explorer axle has the spring pads on the opposite side, so they need to be cut off, and moved to the opposite side, spaced to 40" and re-welded on. You'll likely have to figure on driveshaft mods on that, too. Shocks, too.