Axle Questions

[Burning Splash]

This is my first post on explorer forum, but i'm not new to the forum life lol.


Here is my question, What is the difference in the diameters of the 28 spline and the 31 spline axle shafts? I can't seem to get any straight answers so what do you guys think?

 

[Mud Bug 94]

i dont think any....its just the spline count...BTW all explorers have 31 spline...

 

[Minivek]

28 spline 8.8 shaft diameter 1.2"
31 spline 8.8 shaft diameter 1.32"

 

[Burning Splash]

So i guess this would be the root of the question. If i were to get the 31 spline axles would they fit the housing for the 28 with the correct bearings?

 

[Minivek]

So i guess this would be the root of the question. If i were to get the 31 spline axles would they fit the housing for the 28 with the correct bearings?

Doubtfull as the axle tubes on the 31 spline version, are a bit fatter than on the 28 spline axle.

However, I would hunt down a complete 8.8 from an explorer, 1991-1994 drums, 1995 and up discs.

They are basically a dime a dozen (less expensive than buying axles) and a whole lot less hasseling, all you'd have to do is get someone to weld some spring perches on top. No muss no fuss... and a brake upgrade if you get a later axle

 

[Burns]

This is my first post on explorer forum, but i'm not new to the forum life lol.


Here is my question, What is the difference in the diameters of the 28 spline and the 31 spline axle shafts? I can't seem to get any straight answers so what do you guys think?

So you didnt think that i would not know this one??? Duh silly brother. I would also say it prob wont work. But i do have my old 8.8 at the house. 31 spline. Ill pull a shaft and let you try it.

Edit: Are you even sure that it is the 28spline axle?

 

[Burning Splash]

So you didnt think that i would not know this one??? Duh silly brother. I would also say it prob wont work. But i do have my old 8.8 at the house. 31 spline. Ill pull a shaft and let you try it.

Edit: Are you even sure that it is the 28spline axle?

Well I knew that you had that axle laying around but I figured I would ask before I pulled an axle and tried it lol. My thoughts are if you can find a bearing that will run the 31 spline. I have read a bunch of stuff and can't find anything that would say that I couldn't do it, and yes it is the 28 spline, its what the rangers came with because of it's lighter weight.

 

[Burns]

I dont think that it will work. You might as well just save the trouble and just get a explorer axle. Done and over quickly.

Are you sure that you dont have the 31 spline?

 

[Minivek]

I dont think that it will work. You might as well just save the trouble and just get a explorer axle. Done and over quickly.

Are you sure that you dont have the 31 spline?

I can't remember where I saw it, but I recall reading something about bearing size and axle tube size, one of the two sizes of axle tubes has a spacer (sleeve) in which the bearing is pressed. That's why you can't change axle shaft size, but don't take my word for it.

Your best bet would be to get outer diameter measurements for both bearing sizes and also the inner diameter from both axle tubes. That way you'd know for sure.

 

[Minivek]

Of course, by the time you get all these measurements and get answers to your questions, quotes for parts etc, you'd have installed the explorer axle and had a beer afterwards, and most likely for about the price bigger bearings, seals and what not would cost ya :

 

[Burning Splash]

Well I don't drink so I would let you know if I did the axle swap and you could have my beer.... lol

 

[Minivek]

Well I don't drink so I would let you know if I did the axle swap and you could have my beer.... lol

let us know what you find out or what you'll do. It'll be good info for the site.

Goodluck

 

[jcarlisle]

Axle differances

Here is my question, What is the difference in the diameters of the 28 spline and the 31 spline axle shafts? I can't seem to get any straight answers so what do you guys think?[/QUOTE]

To start with you would have to change the center section of your differential to be able to run the 31 spline axles, at which point you would could (if the housing will take them) install the axles. But if you have access to a 31 spline assembly it would no doubt be cheaper to use that...

 

[UKExploder]

What makes you think the splines will just line up? :/