i found an 8.8 out of a 91 xploder that i want to swap over to my xj. some people say that you should go with a 95 plus year axle, but whats the diff. other than disc brakes. also do all 8.8s have 31 spline axles....and this guy says it has 3.55 ratio, did any come with that?

thanks
lincoln

from what I have heard there is no diffence between the years
accept the disk brakes. the 8.8 out of rangers are not as strong
as the explorer ones.

It may not be 31 spline it could be 28..

Originally posted by actionx
It may not be 31 spline it could be 28..

Have you ever seen a 28 spline come out of Exploder? I know they were in Mustangs and Rangers and such, but I looked at over 70 axles from various years out of explorers and never came across the dreaded 28 spline.

This leads me to believe that the 28 spline exploder is a load of shit. Please prove me wrong. But YOU must have seen it with YOUR eyes, nobody elses counts.

Sorry if this sounds like I am bashing you, but I think that there is some bad info out there floating around.

In my exp the only difference in the Exploder axles is the brake setup and that is easily swapped.

I was under the impression they were all 31s as well until I had a friend who had a 28 spline 8.8 in his explorer (early 90's) which I did get to see...

He said that if it's pre 95 and has lower then 3.73's then it may have 28.. Most I've seen are 31s even the older drum. How true that statement is I don't know... There is a lot of misinformation but they do seem to exist..

Ah I don't care if you bash me.. It's a message board It's all about the right info. If I was wrong I deserve it.

Futhermore out of all my friends that have explorers.. (5 or 6 at least) that I've helped work on.. All of which are pre 95 I've only seen one of those 28 spline. The rest were 31 and drum. I took somewhat of interest in the 8.8's since I was looking to drop some cash for one and just recently did.

with drums you're fawked if you break a c clip... if you had discs, they would hold the axle in anyways

Originally posted by Fullreversal
with drums you're fawked if you break a c clip... if you had discs, they would hold the axle in anyways

Yea, but are you going to try and drive off a trail with an axle held in by just the caliper? Carry spare shafts and call it good unless you've got a 60 or a 14 bolt.

All explorer axles are 31 splines... The difference between early and late explores is disk and drum brakes.. 3.55 is possible to have in the rear end, as ford put those gears in those rear ends.. You can find 8.8 rear ends with 28 spline rear ends in mustangs, rangers, and Bronco II's.
Oh, any more questions on 31 spline axles, go to www.explorer4x4.com and search it, and all your questions will be solved

Pete

i've never had much experience with an 8.8. so how are the shafts held in....someone mentioned c-clip? is that how they are held because if so then im not going to be doing any bettter than a 35c.....just a stronger axle. PLEASE HELP ME OUT.....seeing how im really considering buying this axle....

also the one im looking at has drums...how is that system....does it work pretty well and will it swap straight over to my xj.

finally are all exploders 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern?

thanks for the help
lincoln

Id rather have a caliper holding in the shaft in a pinch than nothing at all.... yeah all 8.8's are 5 on 4.5 AFAIK

Originally posted by woodkrawler
i've never had much experience with an 8.8. so how are the shafts held in....someone mentioned c-clip? is that how they are held because if so then im not going to be doing any bettter than a 35c.....just a stronger axle.

Are you on glue? Put your D35 next to an 8.8" and open your eyes. If you can't see at a glance the obvious improvement you need to go see your optometrist. Either that or you need to stop reading about the Super 35 kit in your magazines. :rolleyes:

The spec on the 8.8" are one of the MOST beat to death topics on the entire pirate4x4.com message board. Use the damn search button.

If you are looking for a different gear ratio i have an 8.8 from a 98' ford with discs and 4.56's. Just thought i would add a plug since i have it for sale.

hey liquidkool

how much do you want for it shipped to charlotte, nc via forwardair or i can make you an offer cause thats really what im looking for? why are you sellling it and what kinda condition is it in?

thanks
lincoln

as for Paul Gagnon,

i was not trying to compare the 8.8 and the 35 by outward apperance, im not stupid i know that there is a huge difference but i was just inquiring about the c-clip aspect...not trying to make myself look like an idiot....

Here you go. I found this after a quick search. As far as the c-clips you first have to break the axle for them to become a problem.


8.8" Specs (31 spline)

Axle Shaft = 31 spline

Axle Diameter = 1.32"

Ring Gear Diameter = 8.800"

Axle Strength Each = 6,500 lbs. Before breakage

Axle Tube Diameter = 3.25"


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dana 35 Specs

Axle Shaft = 27 spline

Axle Diameter = 1.16"

Ring Gear Diameter = 7.560"

Axle Strength Each = 4,000lbs. Before breakage

Axle Tube Diameter = 2.5"

If you are going through the trouble of building a wheeling axle, consider a (hang on to your seat) 40 spline 9 inch. You can put one together with Wilwood disk brakes and a spool for about 2 grand, which isn't that bad when you figure out that you're probably going to want to replace that 8.8 before too long...

40 spline= 1.7 inch diameter shafts

it's about $500 for a pair of shafts from Moser (10 year warranty, you break it they replace it) but I doubt any of us can generate more than 12,000lbs of torque. So it is another option

Paul,

What's up? I haven't been on the Explorer4x4 forum in years and didn't realize that you were on pirate4x4. Just thought that I would say hey! If you remember Off-Road and More!, you will remember me.

Hey Todd I remember you. :) I see you've got a TJ now. It's hard to stay away from 4x4's isn't it? :D You still doing the voluteer fire department thing?

Paul,

You have a really good memory, ie. fire department! As for that, no. Not as of right now. I did do that though for the last 4-1/2 years. I was even a police officer for a little while (still certified, just not doing anything). I have moved from my old town of Rolla and am actually working as a Mechanical Engineer for a QD coupler company. As for the Explorer, I sure do miss it. When I sold the Explorer to get a 2000 Chevy, it was the biggest mistake I ever made. The TJ actually used to be my wife's, but I told her I would trade in my truck for a new car for her if I could have her TJ. She was a little reluctant to trade, but I have it now. You are right, I could not stay away from the 4x4 thing at all. Every once in awhile, I get this wild hair though that makes we want to go back out and buy another explorer. Maybe someday! Good to hear from ya. Talk to ya later!

i think im just going to go with the 8.8 for now because its cheap and strong. thanks for all the help!!!

lincoln

i sent you a private message. Let me know if you are interested in the 8.8

Jim