Rear end size?

[tuckman]

Ok so I do have to correct myself first off. I have a 95 Aerostar e4wd sitting in the garage not a 94.
When I look at the 95 FSM to interpret the rear end code B4 it says a 3.73 limited slip. I am wondering if that is a 7.5" or 8.8"

 

[Blee1099]

More than likely a 7.5. I don't believe the Aerostar ever came with a 8.8 but I could be wrong.

edit: They did come with a 8.8. Take a pic of the axle and compare it to the 8.8.. If the diff cover is more round then its a 8.8. If its more oval its the 7.5

7.5 on the left 8.8 on the right

 

[tuckman]

thanks, going to take pic asap.

 

[Blee1099]

here's another link for diffy..
http://www.ringpinion.com/DiffList.aspx?SearchMode=Diff&TypeID=4

 

[tuckman]

sweet it is a 8.8!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Just for future reference, I have a chart in the Aerostar specifications sticky thread on the top of this section: http://explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2063651&postcount=6

 

[BrooklynBay]

These threads are loaded with useful information on the 8.8:
http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218646
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144780
http://badshoeproductions.com/rear.html
http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=245270
http://www.angelfire.com/theforce/5ohcpa/cpa5ohtech018.htm

 

[jd4242]

does it have disc brakes and is it a 28 or 31 spline?

 

[tuckman]

Ok now that I know that mine is a 8.8", with a code B4 what is the difference between that and the Ex's D4 axle. Is it a heavier made axle or are the breaks just bigger?
A 1st gen EX D4?

 

[tuckman]

does it have disc brakes and is it a 28 or 31 spline?

Drum brakes and not sure of the spline count.

 

[jd4242]

Ok now that I know that mine is a 8.8", with a code B4 what is the difference between that and the Ex's D4 axle. Is it a heavier made axle or are the breaks just bigger?

it appears to be a 28 so it would be a weaker axle.the question is can he switch axles out his ex 8.8 to the new one and get new spider gears for the ls

 

[tuckman]

If it is a weaker axle, I will leave it in the van and grab an axle from a 95+ and get the disc brakes.

 

[jd4242]

I'm not a 100% on that its a 28 but rangers come with an 8.8 28 and they do fine for light 4x4,I would say find a 95+ but you could spend that money on the front gears and when and if it breaks then go to a 95+

 

[tuckman]

The ranger's capacity is 2750, the weakest of them all. You make a good point about using the money for front gears, while using the aerostar rear axle for now.
Edit
Plus I have all new break shoes and hardware sitting in the garage for the aerostar

 

[jd4242]

With stock tires and nothing extreme I think it would last for a bit.

 

[tuckman]

prolly 31's and some playing in the mud every once in a while. The boat and trailer are approx 1500lbs, so not a huge load.