8.8 rearend swap?

So has anyone swapped a 8.8 Explorer rearend into a Third gen. specifically a 73'. i was thinking of doing one myself to save some money but wasn't sure of the difficulty level any info would be nice!

im curious to see some responses her as i have been considering the same thing. rob.

If you do a search in best of tech section there is a large post on it. There are numerous post about using the 8.8 and there was one with an almost complete build up on a 3rd generation car.

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27317&highlight=Explorer

Thank you for the direction it was exactly what i was looking for :D :D :D :beer: :beer:

I'm running Exploders on my '71 so let me know if I can offer any advice.

Dave

i would use a fox mustang 8.8 rear with 2 left hand late model ranger axels and drums for 5 lug wheels, i believe the 8.8 and chevy rears are only 1/4" difference, but you will have to weld on the chevys spring pads.

if you have a 73, correct me if im wrong but unless there has been some swapping in the past I thought it should have the 8.5" ten bolt. I know parts are easy to find, and they are pretty strong, have had friends with mud trucks with up to 35" tires run them, with the only problem being a chipped ring gear failing. the gear was chipped when he bought it. If I didnt already have one in my car that is what I would look for for myself. JMO.

If you already have an 8.5 I can think of no reason why you would want an 8.8. They are almost identical, and even use some parts interchangeably.

Dave

Out of curiosity what parts interchange? I would tend to think it only be the bearings but maybe more?

The mustang rear is the way to go. You do not have to do any housing/tube modifications to the mustang housings like you do to the offset explorer housings. You need to get ranger or later mustang axles and have them redrilled or buy new axles with the right pattern

If you have the 8.5", keep it. It's a beefy rear-end that will last with motors cranking out under 500 hp.

Why the swap? If you're 8.5 is an open diff, get a posi and slap it in. :devil:

^^ What he said! Keep the 8.5!

Dave