The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post

FAKKY · 05-29-2017, 11:43 AM

So after this I bought a 8.8 rear of a 2000 Explorer (31 spline) V8. $150 shipped to my door from local full service yard. Good condition.
Basically pulled the rear axle and gave it away.
Put the new one on furniture dolleys and put into position. The leaf spring perches wont work as too wide (2.5 or 3") versus the 2" OEM ones and not right width (which I already knew).

So cut them off. Sawzall and then grinder.

Then positoned under truck.

Think IM going to buy these .....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350527219174...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Then reem out the 3" to 3.25" to fit the axle. Then hook the axle up ...... but dont weld anythign in place until end.

Now here are my measurements.

*************
OLD OEM AXLE.
*************
41.5" center of leaf to center of leaf
56" backing plate to backing plate
3" width each drum from backin plate to WMS
62" TOTAL

There was about a 6" gap from fender to base of WMS (base of studs on rotor).

*************
NEW 8.8 AXLE
*************
39" leaf center to leaf center
54 3/4" backing plate to backing plate
2 1/3" from backing plate to base WMS

59 1/2" TOTAL (this was nice as it is VERY closet to Dakota Front End Measurement)

So ....... really want to get some wheels so I can wheen the truck out in order to get the engine in in future ..... as well as for cleaning down (sanding front ready for rattle cans etc). The panel trucks have a little more a lip over the wheel well so makes needing a tight/accurate offset/wheel thickness fit.

Whats the best way to work this out ? Which wheels will fit well that I can get in and out ok. ?

05-29-2017, 11:43 AM	#80
FAKKY Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Redington Beach Posts: 1,312	Re: 57 Panel "FAKMLC" build So after this I bought a 8.8 rear of a 2000 Explorer (31 spline) V8. $150 shipped to my door from local full service yard. Good condition. Basically pulled the rear axle and gave it away. Put the new one on furniture dolleys and put into position. The leaf spring perches wont work as too wide (2.5 or 3") versus the 2" OEM ones and not right width (which I already knew). So cut them off. Sawzall and then grinder. Then positoned under truck. Think IM going to buy these ..... http://www.ebay.com/itm/350527219174...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Then reem out the 3" to 3.25" to fit the axle. Then hook the axle up ...... but dont weld anythign in place until end. Now here are my measurements. *********** OLD OEM AXLE. ********* 41.5" center of leaf to center of leaf 56" backing plate to backing plate 3" width each drum from backin plate to WMS 62" TOTAL There was about a 6" gap from fender to base of WMS (base of studs on rotor). ********* NEW 8.8 AXLE *********** 39" leaf center to leaf center 54 3/4" backing plate to backing plate 2 1/3" from backing plate to base WMS 59 1/2" TOTAL (this was nice as it is VERY closet to Dakota Front End Measurement) So ....... really want to get some wheels so I can wheen the truck out in order to get the engine in in future ..... as well as for cleaning down (sanding front ready for rattle cans etc). The panel trucks have a little more a lip over the wheel well so makes needing a tight/accurate offset/wheel thickness fit. Whats the best way to work this out ? Which wheels will fit well that I can get in and out ok. ?