Thread: What Explorer 8.8 rear should I be looking for?

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I'm looking to slip an 8.8 disc brake rearend under my sedan. What years are recommended, and which should I steer clear of? I'll be running a stock 5.3/4L60e in front of it.

Thanks for any input.

-Red

I’m running the same engine/trans combo in my 48 Plymouth and I used an 8.8 from a 2000 Mercy Mountaineer ( same as Explorer). Mine came with factory 4:10 gears disc brakes, and limited slip.

Here's one of the places I used for info when I was trying to decide which one I wanted to use. I ended up getting a 98 up explorer one. It wouldn't work with stock rear fenders for my car but I already had wider rear fenders and it fits great. Fitting the triangulated 4 link is taking some extra work due to the offset of the center.

The Ford Explorer 8.8-Inch Axle Swap

Here is another link to help you identify what gears and if it is or isn't a LS if you go looking in the junk yard too.

Ford 7.5 & 8.8 Inch Axle Tag & Door Codes

I really wanted a 3.55 but couldn't find one so I went with a 3.73 instead.

Mine is a 2000 Explorer with a 5.3 and 4l60e. I also have 3.73 gears like most of them have and it cruises great down the road. The offset is a bit of a pain like Ryan said but their cheap enough where it makes it worth it.

Keep in mind that the Explorer/Mountaineer axles can be narrowed around 3" pretty easily. Like most of the 9" Ford rears, they have a long and short axle. You can get another short side axle pretty cheap even if you buy a new replacement. Just cut the tube on the long side of the housing to fit the shorter axle and your good. This trick was used on 9" axle for a quick easy narrow job.

On the 8.8, this will move the pinion closer to the center, too.

If my memory is correct, you would wind up at around 56" overall width (wheel mount to wheel mount) with the short side swap.

1995-2001 are all the same. 3.73 and 4.10 available ratio's. V8's had extra traction bars and trac lock was standard but V8/V6 does not matter

Originally Posted by Hotrod46

Keep in mind that the Explorer/Mountaineer axles can be narrowed around 3" pretty easily. Like most of the 9" Ford rears, they have a long and short axle. You can get another short side axle pretty cheap even if you buy a new replacement. Just cut the tube on the long side of the housing to fit the shorter axle and your good. This trick was used on 9" axle for a quick easy narrow job.

On the 8.8, this will move the pinion closer to the center, too.

If my memory is correct, you would wind up at around 56" overall width (wheel mount to wheel mount) with the short side swap.

This is great news, the track width of my car is 56", this might be a viable solution for me. Going to look at a '99 tomorrow, hoping to bring it home with me.

Just got home. Drove about 60 miles north this morning to pick up my rearend, almost to Canada, but not quite.

Brought home a 3.73, limited slip 8.8 out of a '99 Explorer. Has all the brakes, shocks, brackets and Trac bar stuff with it. Seller was even nice enough to let me go through his stash of lug nuts to find a full set for it because it didn't have any when he got it. All in all, very happy with my latest find.