Have an 85 2.8 liter V6 ranger 4x4 with a 5 speed and 3.73's and have what I believe is a 90 Ranger 8.8 with 3.73 gears. Brakes appear to be 10 inch vs. 9 inch diameter on my 85 which I don't think will cause a problem unless the brake cylinder or other must be changed to maintain suitable front to back braking performance. The 8.8 has a 3" square bolt flange vs my Ranger with a 2.5 square pattern. There is not clearance to drill a 2.5 pattern as I'm guessing the input splines are larger on the 8.8. Is there an easy work around such as a different driveshaft flange or conversion U joint???

Thanks,
Jason :)

Have an 85 2.8 liter V6 ranger 4x4 with a 5 speed and 3.73's and have what I believe is a 90 Ranger 8.8 with 3.73 gears. Brakes appear to be 10 inch vs. 9 inch diameter on my 85 which I don't think will cause a problem unless the brake cylinder or other must be changed to maintain suitable front to back braking performance. The 8.8 has a 3" square bolt flange vs my Ranger with a 2.5 square pattern. There is not clearance to drill a 2.5 pattern as I'm guessing the input splines are larger on the 8.8. Is there an easy work around such as a different driveshaft flange or conversion U joint???

Thanks,
Jason :)

Just change the axle out in its entirety. Unbolt the 7.5, and bolt the 8.8 right on in. Don't try to piecemeal it together. I don't think the frame dimensions changed that much during the years of the Ranger, so the perches may even be in the right place without having to weld new ones on. Your brake lines should attach right up.

As far as how the brakes function, you may have to do something about a proportioning valve to adjust how the rear brakes grab in relation to the front ones. Cross that bridge when you get there.

As far as U-joints go, they're likely the same size, but if they're not, conversion joints can be had for pretty cheap at a driveline shop. Measure your old ones vs. your new ones and decide from there.

That still does nothing about the pinion flange difference (IF your U-joints are the 1310 size, you can swap the driveshaft flange for a later ('90up) one).

As for redrilling the pinion flange, it can be done

http://www.woodswarriors.com/obj358geo157pg11p10.jpg

I'll have to look more closely at the pinion flange. I don't think there is enough space between the pinion nut to drill the 2.5" pattern and if there is I'd have to tap it as I don't think nuts would clear on the back side. I went by South Bay Driveline today and Steve thought he could make it work with a different driveline flange setup or possibly a conversion joint. I don't know what joint I have now but it is very small so its not a 1310.

Jason :)

The center pilot is the same diameter on both (2")

Yes, you'd have to tap the holes. its a 12 x 1.75 thread (metric), I believe.

I just redrilled the 8.8 flange tonight. When I first measured I measured across the pattern as being 2.5" across as not really fitting but it is a 2.5" square which fits fine. I tried changing flanges but the 8.8 has a bigger input shaft!

Jason :)