8.8 Disk Brake Conversion

[j-rod17]

So I am getting an 8.8 (hopefully this weekend) that is from a 93-94 Explorer. Id like to convert it to disk brakes before it fets swapped in.

What parts will I need? Is it bolt on or welding/fabrication needed?
anyone got a good how to? Sorry I did search but Im not operating the search well on your site.

Thanks!!

 

[Maniak]

When converting a 91-94 explorer to disc in the rear people normally do it by getting the 8.8 from a newer explorer (1995+).

~Mark

 

[j-rod17]

is that the only way?

Im putting this in my Jeep so I got some work to do to it anyways

 

[Maniak]

Well, anything is possible with welding etc, but I don't think I've seen anyone do it any other way.

Also, when I was researching the super 88 c-clip elimination kit for the 8.8 the axle shaft lengths were slightly different between the 91-94 and 95+

~Mark

 

[j-rod17]

wow...what a bummer

 

[4x4junkie]

I've never heard of the shafts being a different length myself... I think at the most the center pilot bore might be a different diameter on the disc vs. the drum, though I've also heard depending on the years involved, they could also be the same too. Either way I would investigate it further (I know for a fact people have swapped drums for discs, I just don't know all the details involved)

 

[Maniak]

Until I looked into the super 88 c-clip elimination for the 8.8 I had always thought they were the same length too. The shaft length was close, but not quite the same.

Here is the thread about the super 88, when I got the different measurements.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=235743

~Mark

 

[jd4242]

It can be done but you need all most every part of the 95+ axel so its just easier and cheaper to use the 95+ axel

 

[Spdrcer34]

I swapped the parts from a 95+ Disc set-up onto my `92 Rear-end. The axles are the EXACT SAME, and the tubes are also the EXACT SAME LENGTH.

I bought a complete disc brake set-up off eBay for $220 and installed it. It DOES require you to remove the axles to bolt on the backing plate, and set-up the parking brake (drum) assembly....then re-assemble as needed.

You MAY need to adjust your brake bias....

Ryan

 

[j-rod17]

I swapped the parts from a 95+ Disc set-up onto my `92 Rear-end. The axles are the EXACT SAME, and the tubes are also the EXACT SAME LENGTH.

I bought a complete disc brake set-up off eBay for $220 and installed it. It DOES require you to remove the axles to bolt on the backing plate, and set-up the parking brake (drum) assembly....then re-assemble as needed.

You MAY need to adjust your brake bias....

Ryan

thats optomistic. did you get any pics and/or write up during the swap?
parts list? that way maybe I can piece it together from a few JY visits.

the axle will be getting gears, locked, and a complete overhaul already.

 

[2002GreyHD150]

'98 up to '01 8.8 solid axle will get you rear disc... cheaper than converting...

you are going to be welding on tabs/pads/etc. so as long as the width over all is workable... spend the extra, what 15-20%, get the OE 3.73 (hopefully) & fire up...

the street rods & muscle cars I build or customers I do lots of 8.8 Explorer/Monty Rear ends...

Rob

 

[Spdrcer34]

2002GreyHD150....where did you get your information? There is NO WELDING.....I believe I would have said that when I described my conversion....it's a TOTAL BOLT-ON.

The only donor to get the rear disc's from is a 95-01 Explorer. Some later Sports had rear drums. Watch out for those. They are no better than what you already have. Junkyards usually get $350-$500 for this rear-end. It is a highly desirable rear axle. FWIW, the 8.8" Explorer Rear-End is actually stronger than your standard 9" offerings....it's MAINLY because of the Axles, and at 1/4 the cost of a 9"...it's a no brainer.

If you want to part it together, search eBay....if you want to bolt on a new axle, and not deal with pulling the axles, check craigslist.

Ryan

 

[jd4242]

$350-$500 wow ive never seen them or would pay over $150 at a junk yard.ps thats what i paid for mine!!

 

[4x4junkie]

Until I looked into the super 88 c-clip elimination for the 8.8 I had always thought they were the same length too. The shaft length was close, but not quite the same.

Here is the thread about the super 88, when I got the different measurements.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=235743

~Mark

I'm wondering if there may be some confusion going on between Explorer axles and Ranger axles (which would be ones with different mounting plates referenced in that thread).
Someday I guess I'll have to pull one of each apart and compare parts side-by-side myself. With Spdrcer34 being able to swap everything over on his, I just can't see how they'd be so different

 

[Spdrcer34]

j-rod asked about a rear disc swap on a 93-94 Explorer rear-end.

Tell you what.....if you can't get the 95+ Explorer Rear Disc brackets to bolt-onto your 93-94 Explorer Rear-end (if it IS a Explorer Rear End).........I will buy you a (used) 1995-2001 4-door Explorer Rear Axle!

 

[j-rod17]

j-rod asked about a rear disc swap on a 93-94 Explorer rear-end.

Tell you what.....if you can't get the 95+ Explorer Rear Disc brackets to bolt-onto your 93-94 Explorer Rear-end (if it IS a Explorer Rear End).........I will buy you a (used) 1995-2001 4-door Explorer Rear Axle!

thats a deal worth taking.

i know its an explorer rear because its from a member here....the old axle he swapped out.