Explorer 8.8 rear axle swap into a Maverick?

Thanks for adding more info

 

I've done this swap both ways. Sent one to a chassis shop and had 9" ends welded on and bought custom axles.
I've also drilled the weld plugs and shortened one side. Used 2 of the short size axles and it worked fine.
I had to use a porta power and heat to get the tube removed after drilling the plugs. I did take it to a shop to have the tubes "carefully" welded to the center section . It worked fine and is under a 65 falcon now.
Both rear ends came out of explorers and are limited slip with rear disc brakes

 

Just thought I would bump this old thread back into the light of day and ad some new information.

The Comet/Maverick stock 8" is 56-1/4" mounting surface to mounting surface, spring perches 42-3/4" on center.
Explorer 8.8 59-1/2” (narrowed 56-1/2”) mounting surface to mounting surface, spring perches 38-1/2” on center.

Here is a very good article on the subject with some videos.

https://thefabricatorseries.com/bui...d-explorer-88-rear-axle-part-1-prelude-and-qa

 

Who is doing the welding in Ga? How much was it ?

 

I have a Guy in central Ga. that does rearends at his shop.
this is my 9"setup that came from under a junked 64 Ford truck.

 

Can I get his number ? I would like to get my 8.8 shortened.

 

PM sent...

 

It seems to me. You would want to add an extra long axel side to the 8.8 rearend.
Then you would be able to run modern wheels without spacers. Am I wrong in my dissecting the information here...
Please reply...

 

Why do you want to run modern wheels?
The guys using a un-cut Explorer axle are usually running late model Mustang wheels. If you use two “long” axles it will measure around 62-1/2 wide, 6-1/4 wider than the stock axle.

 

I'm just pointing out that the guys who want to run modern wheels can solve several problems with 1 fix.
And no spacers is nice too.
Disc brakes ect.
But, maybe it causes other issues.
It just crossed my mind like hundreds of other things.

 

I don’t think there’s a easy fix, the wider Explorer axle may solve the problem on the rear but you’d still need to run spacers on the front.

 

I think I will go 9 inch route.
The lists for sources the fourm members made are great. But too many direct bolt in options.