Strange 8.8 Diff. Cover

[badge49]

What is the purpose of the two brackets with eyelets on this diff. cover? I found another random one online that said it came from a 2004 Explorer? Are the extra mounts for shocks?

 

[cybergasm]

This Cover is designed for 3rd and 4th generation Explorers with the independent Rear Suspension.

Those Ears are for mounting the center section(diff) into the cross member.

 

[badge49]

Wow, I didn't think the diff. cover would be strong enough to connect the cross member. With that in mind, do you think this would make for a suitable lower shock mount on the earlier models? (Longer shocks could be used)

 

[mounty71]

If a shock could even be mounted to that point, you probably wouldn't want shocks mounted that close to the middle of the axle anyway.

 

[cybergasm]

It could be possible but haven't heard of anybody trying this yet. Might be breaking new ground here.

But i have heard of guys getting those covers and cutting off those mounting bosses and using them on the regular 8.8's cause of the fins for cooling and supposed increased lube capacity tho.

 

[badge49]

Ya, I like the ribs for cooling and the drain plugs are a plus. I wonder what it would look like if one connected the ears to the sway-bar perches via a connecting rod. It would be like a detachable brace/truss? Maybe something like this:

What do you think?