Not sure if this is appropriate location for this post. I've been searching the Forum about the Explorer 8.8 rearend & the info is scattered ever where nothing really dedicated just to the Explorer 8.8 rearend. So while doing a search on Google I come across this site. http://thefabricatorseries.com/search?q=explorer It appears to have everything you need to know about the explorer 8.8 & even how to cut & shorten the long side axle housing.
Thanks for posting this it is a great guide and will come in very useful in the future, I now have it saved.
good info... we remove this pin to remove the axles to get the disc brakes for the...Crown Vic disc brake mod for an 8". this bolt is known to snap in half when trying to remove. might I suggest...after selecting the rear end housing you like, pull the cover and break this bolt loose. if it snaps in half...find another rear end and try it. also sometimes you will find that someone has been in there trying to remove that bolt and has the head stripped/boogered up. if needed...
Thats pretty weird, I was doing a search yesterday on narrowing the 8.8 and came across this very same site, and read it thoroughly, am in the process of doing one now. I have a question for those that have narrowed the 8.8, and that is....where did you weld the shortened side? Was it under the spring perch or to the inside area between the perch and center section?
this is their suggestion... "Now you are ready to mark your cut. Virtually anywhere within the marked section will do, but you should try to avoid cutting in the section where the spring perches or other brackets will be welded directly to. You should also not have the weld in the same position as a U-bolt as this will stress the weld."
That's a good question. I was woundering the samething but after reading it agian This How to states: you should try to avoid cutting in the section where the spring perches or other brackets will be welded directly to. You should also not have the weld in the same position as a U-bolt as this will stress the weld. & poor man how too states: For extra strength, you should lay out your lines so that the finish weld will be inside the spring perch. This will add considerable strength and support in this area. I'd say it's safe to cut and weld inside the spring perch.
Thanks I'll do that. If I remember right it has to be removed to remove the axle & I plan on removing a short side axle out of another rearend while I'm at the pull-a-part.
I am in the process of narrowing a explorer rear end for my sons car. I am trying to get everything ready to go in ahead of time. He has a 1970 200 auto on column. We are also going to do the V8 swap soon after, leaving the C4. This is his daily driver so I have to know what I need and have it ready when we do swap. My question is... For those who have done the swap, what drive shaft options do I have? If I swap from flange to Yoke from 80s F150, will factory drive shaft still fit? If I leave the explorer flange on, will the explorer sport drive shaft fit? If I swap to a Small flange from mustang, crown vic, etc will a fox drive shaft work? Or will I just have to get a drive shaft made? What have you guys done that has worked?