Completed Project Solid Rear Axle Swap

[Travis Brown]

Hi

Can you pls explain more about your winch bumper?

Thanks!

I've been crazy busy lately, but I'll try to find some time to post a bumper build thread at some point

 

[Bazz270]

Hi

Ive already manufactured my own bumper based on your photos.

Thanks

 

[HeyNiceSporty]

Nice Job. Did you trying figuring out what the axle length would have been if you got another long side Explorer axle?
Betting you did, but it isn't clear from the write-up.

It is really common to use a 90s Explorer rear axle in old muscle cars if you use two short axles and narrow it. The width is pretty good for many old cars. Posi, 31 spline axles, beefy, disc brakes and a great parking brake, those axles have a lot going for them. Same bolt pattern as early Ford, Mopar, AMC. Probably the cheapest way to get a great axle.

 

[rshelton281]

How much work did you have to do with the break lines? Was it fairly plug and play? What about the wheel speed sensors?

 

[oy1crazyace]

This entire thread has piqued my interest. I'm here for it all. Including the last question about the brake lines.

 

[traveler]

Nice Job. Did you trying figuring out what the axle length would have been if you got another long side Explorer axle?
Betting you did, but it isn't clear from the write-up.

It is really common to use a 90s Explorer rear axle in old muscle cars if you use two short axles and narrow it. The width is pretty good for many old cars. Posi, 31 spline axles, beefy, disc brakes and a great parking brake, those axles have a lot going for them. Same bolt pattern as early Ford, Mopar, AMC. Probably the cheapest way to get a great axle.

Well now I have to ask. I've noticed that the 8.8 axle housing aren't one piece, they are tubes pressed into the center section. Knowing that, is it possible to remove one of the tubes (say the short one) and press in a long tube from the other side of a different axle? Making both sides equal length, and the entire axle longer? Then of course use the longer axle shaft on both sides.

 

[Blandy]

Thanks guys. I took it up Rattlesnake Canyon with a big group yesterday and she fit right in with all the jeeps and toyotas. I've still got some issues with the tires rubbing the trim when fully stuffed into the wheel well, but other than that, the rear axel is performing flawlessly. The front suspension on the other hand needs some work. I did a 3" spacer lift to match the rear and the the thing handles like a scared chicken on the freeway. Very twitchy. I'm still trying to figure out what's wrong

Check your caster and toe-in!