[moonlight_dan]

I just found a ford 8.8 at one of the local junkyards. It's off of a 96-99 explorer. Comes with disk breaks and 3.73 gears. The calipers and disks are gone. The best part is that they only want $80 My question is, while i'm pulling it is there anything else on the explore that i will need for the conversion. Maybe the e-brake cables or something. Also, what spine could it possible have. Thanks
Ben

[GI-John]

Since the discs and calipers are gone, take the driveshaft. You'll have 2 flanges that you can use an adapter U-Joint and not have to buy a spicer one.

The brake parts are gonna eat up a bit of your budget...be prepared.

[anony91xj]

Originally Posted by moonlight_dan

Also, what spine could it possible have. Thanks
Ben

8.8 is probably a 28-spline.

[MSHarnett]

I thought thats a 31 spline

[anony91xj]

Originally Posted by MSHarnett

I thought thats a 31 spline

Could go either way. I think the 31-spline was mainly for the bigger pickup trucks.

[hitech_hick]

'95 and newer exploders came standard with disc brakes and 31 spline axle shafts. I believe that the '95 and '96 models came with either 3.55 or 3.73 gears and the '97 and up had 4.10 available. Most came with abs and Trac Loc, Ford's version of posi. The 8.8's that came with 28 spline axle shafts were the Rangers equiped with the 4.0 liter and the 31 spline axle shafts for the Rangers weren't available except in the newer FX4 models. Hope that clears things up


hick

[moonlight_dan]

Thanks for the info guys. Anything else?

[hitech_hick]

I don't have anymore helpful information to add, but I do have a quesiton of my own, do you need a different proportioning valve when you do this swap? I only ask because I bought an 8.8 out of a '98 explorer today and I've got it in my head to install it this weekend. It's got 31 splines, 4.10 gears and limited slip so yeah, I'll have to regear the front at the same time. I'm pulling together my list of parts hoping that I'm not forgeting anything; I know that I need the spring perches, shock mounts, brake lines, e-brake cables, adapter u-joint (don't feel like changing out the yoke), an possibly wheel spacers (still running stock rims). Is there anything else that I'm forgetting? And on another note, if this is so popular of a swap, why isn't there a tech write-up linked to the tech sticky?


hick

[silverxj2001]

yeah there should be a sticky there

here's a writeup

http://xjfanatic.com/ford88.php

[BACKROAD]

On the proportioning valve, I'd use one of the aftermarket adjustable units.....The e-brake cables are available as a kit from LOKAR...

[BACKROAD]

I've got the part # of the LOKAR e-brake calbe kit if anybody needs it. Currie supplies this same thing with their 9" rear axles with disc brakes....

[xjmatt]

Originally Posted by hitech_hick

I don't have anymore helpful information to add, but I do have a quesiton of my own, do you need a different proportioning valve when you do this swap? I only ask because I bought an 8.8 out of a '98 explorer today and I've got it in my head to install it this weekend. It's got 31 splines, 4.10 gears and limited slip so yeah, I'll have to regear the front at the same time. I'm pulling together my list of parts hoping that I'm not forgeting anything; I know that I need the spring perches, shock mounts, brake lines, e-brake cables, adapter u-joint (don't feel like changing out the yoke), an possibly wheel spacers (still running stock rims). Is there anything else that I'm forgetting? And on another note, if this is so popular of a swap, why isn't there a tech write-up linked to the tech sticky?


hick

For the proportioning valve, use your stock one and see how you like it. If you don't like it I believe people have swapped in stock prop valves from WJ/ZJ's since they came stock with rear discs.

But as mentioned if you want total control buy an adjustable one.

And another good 8.8 swap writeup: http://www.bc4x4.com/tech/2003/xj88/

Good luck!

[Blue XJ]

I wouldn't use the stock prop valve, I always heard you need one from something with rear discs cause its quite a bit different.

While your at the yard, grab the calipers from the front, or at least from another vehicle so you can use them as a core when you buy the ones you need for the 8.8. Might save you $60 if they charge $30 core like they do around here.

[hitech_hick]

I bought the axle yesterday and picked it up today, I couldn't be happier. I ran my finger across the rotors and couldn't have caught my fingernail in a groove it I tried. The pads also look brand spankin new and yes, I got the calipers as well. Now I just need a yoke from a Ranger, brake lines and e-brake cables and I'm all set. One more quick question, Are there any issues running stock rims on an Explorer rear end, or am I going to need different back spacing(or wheel spacers)?



hick

[MSHarnett]

I am currently using stock valve with my ZJ disc brakes, not sure how diffrent 8.8 brakes would be though.As for backspacing, with stock rims you may hav a problem. The 8.8 is I believe an inch narrower, therfor depending on the tire, may hit the leaf spring. When you ever buy new rims/spacers I suggest you get rears ."5 less BS, just remember you can't do a full rotation then. Or you could just get a .5" spacer and rims