Axle Code question

[RangerMatt]

Hey guys,

Where can I find out about Explorer axle codes and what those codes represent gearwise?

Also, did X's ever come stock from the dealership with 4.10s, or were they relegated to 3.55 and 3.73 ratios?

Sorry, I don't really know jack about Xs, but I'm learning.

 

[dman726749]

41 - Conventional - 3200 lb. Capacity - 3.27 Ratio
45 - Conventional - 3200 lb. Capacity - 3.55 Ratio
D4 - Limited Slip - 3200 lb. Capacity - 3.73 Ratio
46 - Conventional - 3200 lb. Capacity - 3.73 Ratio
D1 - Limited Slip - 3200 lb. Capacity - 3.27 Ratio
42 - Conventional - 3200 lb. Capacity - 4.10 Ratio
D2 - Limited Slip - 3200 lb. Capacity - 4.10 Ratio

there are all the codes, you can find your code on the inside of the drivers door jamb on the tag that is located there

 

[RangerMatt]

D2 - Limited Slip - 3200 lb. Capacity - 4.10 Ratio

sweet, that's what I'm gonna start lookin for(not ready to buy yet). And all X 8.8s are 31 spline right?

 

[RangerMatt]

Also, if the axle is seperated form the vehicle so that there is no door jam to look at, will the same code be on the rear end somewhere as well?

 

[dman726749]

yes all explorer 8.8s are 31 spline, and the 4:10 ratio was only available on second gens i believe. i know there is a gear code on the axle somehwere, but i dont know where or if it uses the same code.

 

[MrShorty]

No, the axle should have a tag attached to one of the bolts on the differential cover. This tag contains the identifying information. 1st row is the axle model number
2nd row contains gear ratio, LS or open, ring gear size and production sequence. For your purposes. 2nd row will look something like "4L10 88 xxxxx" 4L10 = gear ratio. L indicates traction lock. open would eliminate the L 88 = 8.8 inch ring gear. I expect 31 spline vs 28 spline is going to be determined from the model number. I'd have to go to the library to look up the model numbers, though, so I don't know for sure right now how to tell a 31 spline from a 28 spline out of the vehicle.

 

[RangerMatt]

I know in the majority of cases(if not all) that the explorer 8.8 will bolt directly into a Ranger. In my case I have a 2000. Do you guys think 2nd gen ex 8.8 would bolt up (I'm not sure which years 2nd gen includes on the Xs,hence the question).

I'm gonna ask the Ranger crowd the same question, hopefully I get matching answers.

you guys rock with quick responces

 

[RangerMatt]

ya, here I go answering my own questions... I found this info on TRS. Does it sound right?

Has 31-Spline Axle Shafts
10-Inch Drums From 1990-1994
1995+ Have Disc Brakes
Rear ends are 1.5 inch Wider Than Ranger Rear End
Needs show mounts welded On
Needs Spring Perches Welded To Top Of Axle Tube
Most Have Limited-Slip (Traction Lok)
Same 5 On 4.5 Wheel Bolt Pattern As Ranger
Pre-1990 Ranger Driveshafts Will Not Bolt Directly Up To The Explorer 8.8 (Have Custom Shaft Made Or Get A 1990 Or Newer Shaft)

Apparently, I'd need to a couple of things welded on.
here's the linky:http://www.therangerstation.com/Explorer8_8.html

I'd love to get my hands on one of those FX4 8.8s. but for some reason they had problems with manual trannies which is what I have.