Hey guys, I was wondering why did the explorers use an offet rear end? And besides clearance issues with the driveshaft would there be any issues with vibrations? I can get these 8.8's real cheap (100) all day.
As far as I know the offset was only for driveline clearance. Could be wrong. I have made centered rears from offset ones and vice/versa. I always set my pinion angle the same regardless. You are right about the 8.8's. They are everywhere. I have pretty much sold off all my 9 inchers. Most everything I put together needs new axels and narrowed housing anyway. Set of 9" bearing cups and aftermarket axels and the c clips are gone with the small bearings. With the exception of changable 3rd member, they are just as good as a 9" for most street use (my opinion). If you are looking for easy bolt in, Mavaholic is right. Too wide for older small ford cars. 8.8 out of Crown Vics are perfect for early F100's though. Clip the brackets and weld on a set of perches. Takes longer to bleed and rig a brake cable than it does to swap the rear. Cleaver
