superior 31 spline axles

[05greyedge]

in the most recent 4wheel and off road mag they did and article on a 31spline 4340 axle swap and semi floating conversion for a 8.8 rear. my question is: they used a disc braked 8.8 out of a x in the article, but will the same axles work for my drum brake equipt axle?
i dont know if the flanges(which are replaced w/ this axle upgrade) are the same.

 

[05greyedge]

ok did a lil research and i cant use the superior kit on my stock 28spline 8.8 so i guess its on to an explorer rear 8.8

 

[Brans Freestyle]

an fx4 axle is a 31 spline 8.8 with drums, you might be able to use that instead of an exlporer axle. that would also be set up for a spring over already so you wouldn't have to get new perches to mount an expo one.

 

[05greyedge]

well the 31 spline 8.8 have "big bearings" and the axle tubes are bigger. ex.
Mustang/Ranger 28-spline:
top flange bolt- top flange bolt 3.410"
DIA of axle tube 2.840"
bottom flange bolt- bottom flange bolt 3.076"
top flange bolt- bottom flange bolt 1.680"

Explorer/F150/Ranger Level II 31-spline:
top flange bolt-top flange bolt 3.562"
bottom flange bolt-bottom flange bolt 3.562"
DIA of axle tube 3.150"
top flange bolt-bottom flange bolt 2.000"
big ford (new style)