Ford Explorer 8.8" axle

My 53 Studebaker has a Ford Maverick 8" rear end in it. It is non-posi, 2.80 ratio with drum brakes. Best thing about it is the width which is only about 56". I would like to make some upgrades including posi, lower gears and disk brakes. I have been reading on the web and it looks like I can do all 3 with a swap to a 95 or newer Explorer Rear axle. I understand they are quite strong, most have positraction, V6 versions have 3.73 and V8s had 3.55 and the 95 up had disk brakes. I also read that the pinion is off set some what, but not sure how much more than my current 8". Sure sounds like a sweet set up on paper.

Anyone have experience with these axles in a street rod? I realize I will need to change my master cylinder, I already have disks up front.

Thanks in advance

Pat

Pat, I'll be performing this exact swap in my '36 Chevy very soon (within a month). I can post back when I'm closer to completion.

Picked up the 8.8 yesterday. From a 2001 Explorer w/48k miles and 3.55 gears. Said it was a posi (trac-loc) on the phone and it'd be $400. Got there, it wasn't posi but I took it anyway because he let me have it for $250. I'll get the spring brackets cut off this week and get to work setting up the 4-bar. Rotors are still in good shape, calipers look good but no way to be sure until they're hooked up.

Now I just gotta get a posi. eBay's covered with 'em!

Pat, if you need measurements or anything, let me know. I thought these things were 58.3" (maybe that's w/drum brakes?) but it's 59.5". Still 1/2" shorter than the 8.5" 10 bolt I took out.

Thanks for the info Richard,

I have decided to stay with my 8 inch since the Explorere rear is about 3 inches wider than mine. I'll just keep an eye out for some lower gears and a posi. And maybe someday upgrade to disk brakes.

Pat