Guy's using a Ford 8.8"

[Laid_Out_50]

What did you use to connect your u-joint drive shaft to your rear axle?

[chev3600]

Use the flange from the original ford driveshaft and a conversion u-joint available at NAPA to connect it. I found the part number on an s10 site last year, dont remember it off hand.

Looks like it might be NAPA#372

[Laid_Out_50]

I found an s-10 website with different part numbers but none come up on the auto part store website

[chev3600]

Napa parts guy can cross-reference it. Or try 2400356, I think.
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[Laid_Out_50]

I found the Napa part number it's a PTO Flange Yoke, 1310 PN# PUJ1379

[gibbons]

hey i was thinking about using an 8.8 but was worried about the offset. Have you had any problems with it?

[ratrodmiller]

im running a 1996 8.8 disc brake explorer and it lines up great no probs, you just need the conversion u -joint and get driveshaft made,also just center the hubs to where thet are same distance sticking out on each side on frame and it lines up fine to trans tail shaft.

[pinecrest]

Some say don't do it. Some say no prob. I'll go with those who run em. I thought the limited slip 8.8 was worth the slight gamble. I picked one up yesterday, and am excited to use it in my build!

MAKE SURE YOU DECODE THE EXPLORER REAR BEFORE YOU PULL THE TRIGGER!! Many of you probably know this, but I didn't- NOT ALL explorers had limited slip rears. I thought they all were. Glad I took pics of id tags at the junkyard and went home to decode. I'd a been mad!

One thing to look for is an L toward the beginning of the second row on the tag.

[gibbons]

yeah i have got the same tag on the one that i bought last year with 3.73 gears. I really like the axle but when i stand back and look at it i can see the offset just looking at it and i just wasn't sure about it. I'm sure they would work great. My 48 gmc aint gonna be going 100 mph down the road. Thanks for the info.

[Laid_Out_50]

So with the offset in the rearend and the transmissions centered with this cause a problem with the driveline?
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[mknittle]

my thought Is the drive line dosen't know if the angle is vertical or horizontal. with that leingth drive line there should be no problems.

[Laid_Out_50]

Thanks Mknittle ya the driveline is 60". Can I use hex head automotive bolts or should I buy the oem bolts?
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[meter swinger]

Originally Posted by pinecrest

Some say don't do it. Some say no prob. I'll go with those who run em. I thought the limited slip 8.8 was worth the slight gamble. I picked one up yesterday, and am excited to use it in my build!

MAKE SURE YOU DECODE THE EXPLORER REAR BEFORE YOU PULL THE TRIGGER!! Many of you probably know this, but I didn't- NOT ALL explorers had limited slip rears. I thought they all were. Glad I took pics of id tags at the junkyard and went home to decode. I'd a been mad!

One thing to look for is an L toward the beginning of the second row on the tag.

Thanks for the info. I am about to go hunting for one to go in my D@DG€.
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[mknittle]

[QUOTE=Laid_Out_50;5581220]Thanks Mknittle ya the driveline is 60". Can I use hex head automotive bolts or should I buy the oem bolts?
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What ever you use make sure they are grade 8! I used hex bolts in my jeep. but the axle flange centered on the u-joint flange with a raised center. if yours dosen't I would use the oem bolts as that type uses the bolt shank to center. hope that helps.

[Laid_Out_50]

I put the drive line in my truck with the for 8.8 and it has a slight angle is this normal for this rearend?
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[Laid_Out_50]

It's a slight angle to the right
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[chev3600]

The pinion is offset to one side so the angle is normal. Same as when it was in an explorer, the u-joints don't know the difference.
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[chev3600]

Some guys will shorten the longer tube to center the driveshaft and allow clearance for some wider tires.
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[Laid_Out_50]

Thanks Chev3600
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[PurdueSD]

Ive got an 8.8 out of a 99 exploder in my truck. Picked up the driveshaft when i got it from the junkyard so ive got the flange. Its 59.5 mouting surface to mouting surface. Its a little too narrow, so i wil probably run some 3/4" spacers.




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[heavymetalresto]

Has anyone done the 8.8 rear in the 55-59 truck and if so whats involved?

[usmarine]

I put one in my 54. I used the entire setup from the donor exploder. Springs, shackes, swaybar and shocks! just had to fab a bar for shocks and swaybar and box frame and add a bushing for rear shackle.

[blackdiesel]

Originally Posted by heavymetalresto

Has anyone done the 8.8 rear in the 55-59 truck and if so whats involved?

I've put then in two 57's. The early 00's mercury mountaineers have factory traction bars, which is what i slid in my 38 Chrysler. Cut and move the spring perches and your ready to go!
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