8.8 Rear & Stock 31 Spline Axles with 9" Housing Ends

[sheza65]

I'm looking into getting a 1995-2001 Explorer 8.8 rear end. I want to use the factory 31 spline axles with 9 inch housing ends (new big bearing / Torino style). Has anybody successfully machined the stock axles to accept pressed on 9" bearings?

I understand the Explorer 31 spline is 1.31" and the axle bearing has an ID of 1.620". The 3.150" OD 9" bearing ID's I've seen are 1.562", 1.531", 1.378", etc. Does anyone know the actual diameter of the Explorer axle where the axle bearing rides?

 

[1997XLTRollover]

Are you doing this for a Mustang? You do know the Explorer diff is offset and won't work in a Mustang right? What's the project you plan on using this for?

To answer your question yes it's done all the time. I've done it to my 00 Mustang's 8.8.

EDIT: It's been done to the housing, but as far as the axles you have to use 9" axles. I don't think you can really change the axles themselves but you can weld big housing ends on the housing.

 

[sheza65]

1997XLTRollover, I appreciate your help. I know 9" ends can be welded on.

Yes, this Explorer pinion is off set about 3 inches. But actually folks have been putting these rears in Mustangs for a while. It works (see here), and I once stuffed one in a '65 using deeper backspaced wheels.

This is for another project where I don't want to use C-clip eliminators, and I'm trying to do it on a budget...I just need to measure the Explorer axle's diameter at the bearing contact. If anyone has that info handy and wants to share, please let me know.

 

[1997XLTRollover]

1997XLTRollover, I appreciate your help. I know 9" ends can be welded on.

Yes, this Explorer pinion is off set about 3 inches. But actually folks have been putting these rears in Mustangs for a while. It works (see here), and I once stuffed one in a '65 using deeper backspaced wheels.

This is for another project where I don't want to use C-clip eliminators, and I'm trying to do it on a budget...I just need to measure the Explorer axle's diameter at the bearing contact. If anyone has that info handy and wants to share, please let me know.

Ok I suppose I can see that. Shorten the axle more on one side to get it closer to center. Actually that's good to know. Would be a nice swap for my 69 coupe to get rid of my open 8" rear and throw in an Explorer rear. Not sure I can help with measurements though. Only axles I have bare at the moment are for my 2000 Mustant GT. They're Strange Engineering 9" axles too so probably of no help. I've got a bare Mustang 8.8 housing too if any measurement off that will help you.


EDIT: As I'm sitting here thinking about this. If you're welding on Ford nine big housing ends, you won't be able to use the C-clip axles at all I don't think. I think you're going to have to get true 9" axles made to whatever length you need.