28 to 31 spline swap Ranger

[disranger]

Hello, began today swapping from 28 to 31 spline in my 2wd 96 Ranger, when we encounterd a problem. I bought 31 spline track lock and 3.55 from explorer, picked up 31 spline axles as well, beleive from f-150 maybe from explorer don't recall. Noticed the 8.8 ulitimate ford racing install kit I bought,the axle bearings were to small. Picked up some for an f-150 that fit fine. Dealer said the ones in my kit were for a 7.5, I hope he was right. We also noticed that my stock 15" wheels would not fit on the new axles (hub diameter on the wheels were to small). Found some wheels that would work, but now were wondering if the axles are gonna fit and if I got the right ones. The ones I have are tapered larger at the hub end. I did some reading and found explorers are the same way, but... Ranger and mustang 8.8's are smaller dia at the hub end were the bearing rides? Anyone here clear this up? We can not afford to start the project only to get to far in and can not finish it back up. Here is what I think I need, now I have not cracked open the diff yet or pulled my stock axles out, A. get mustang 5 lug 31 axles, B. Find a bearing that is larger ID and smaller OD C. this swap is not possible in a Ranger, I need to just find a 28 spline track lok and be done for now. C is last hope effort.

I have found various conflicting views in this. Didn't think Ford would vary the 8.8 so much

 

[ibismojo]

Hello, began today swapping from 28 to 31 spline in my 2wd 96 Ranger, when we encounterd a problem. I bought 31 spline track lock and 3.55 from explorer, picked up 31 spline axles as well, beleive from f-150 maybe from explorer don't recall. Noticed the 8.8 ulitimate ford racing install kit I bought,the axle bearings were to small. Picked up some for an f-150 that fit fine. Dealer said the ones in my kit were for a 7.5, I hope he was right. We also noticed that my stock 15" wheels would not fit on the new axles (hub diameter on the wheels were to small). Found some wheels that would work, but now were wondering if the axles are gonna fit and if I got the right ones. The ones I have are tapered larger at the hub end. I did some reading and found explorers are the same way, but... Ranger and mustang 8.8's are smaller dia at the hub end were the bearing rides? Anyone here clear this up? We can not afford to start the project only to get to far in and can not finish it back up. Here is what I think I need, now I have not cracked open the diff yet or pulled my stock axles out, A. get mustang 5 lug 31 axles, B. Find a bearing that is larger ID and smaller OD C. this swap is not possible in a Ranger, I need to just find a 28 spline track lok and be done for now. C is last hope effort.

I have found various conflicting views in this. Didn't think Ford would vary the 8.8 so much

the axle housing tube on the explorer/f150 8.8, or any 31 spline 8.8 is going to be bigger than your 28 spline axle housing tube. therefore, you need an explorer/f150 8.8 for the 31 spline or a 2002 FX4 rear or a 2003+ FX4 Level II rear end. i doubt any 31 spline axle is going to swap into a stock ranger 8.8.

i bought an exporer rear end for 100 bucks, had 3.73's, limited slip, spent 40 bucks on brake shoes, 10 bucks on brake hardware, and 45 bucks on NAPA SKF bearings plus $20 for some mobil one 75w-90 gear oil.

 

[disranger]

Your absolutly right, not going to work. Only way is to buy custom axles$$

I am going to stick with the 28 spline. Now I am stuck with 31 spline carrier and truck axles. Wonder if I could buy 28 spline side gears and put them in my 31 spline carrier? Doubt it would be that easy, but you never know.

 

[FROADER]

Might I suggest you just buy a 95+ explorer rear end? You'll have to move the spring perches but it'll be easier and probably cheaper in the long run and you'll have disc brakes too.

 

[disranger]

Thought about it. Don't feel like having to modify anything. I beleive you would have to change the master cylinder as well for the disc brakes. Not to mention the explorer axle is longer than the Ranger. If it was narrower, than I would consider. Good advice though.

 

[ibismojo]

the master cylinder is a non-issue for swapping brakes.