Rear end/wheel fitment

[Alvarez1112]

I have a exploder 8.8 that I'm cutting down and installing 9" ends on for my truck. I already have some 15"x10" wheels with 6.5" of backspacing from a previous project. Does anyone know how much needs to be removed from the rear end to make these wheels work. I will be running the 295/55/15 MT Drag radials when they are released the beginning of next year. Thanks!

[vicn8r]

I was running stock length explorer rear end with 15x8 4.5 bs wheels, 27x10.50
tires, i had 3 1/2 inches to the leaf springs, about 4 1/4 inch to the frame rails. hope that helps. I was calculating 15x10 with 7.5 bs would be about 1/2 inch clearance at the spring. but i decided to narrow and go to a bigger/wider tire/wheel combo.

[Alvarez1112]

Ok maybe I'll try a different approach lol! The reason I ask is because I do not currently have tires; therefore, I can't really measure to see what I need.
New question: for those running a 28"x10.5" tire on a 10" wheel what combo are you running? what legnth rear WMS to WMS, and with what backspacing? Sorry for such a loaded question!!

[Disturbing V6]

I run 295 65 15 MT on 15x8 with 5.5 inch of back spacing. My 8.8 is 1inch wider on both sides. To keep the wheel and tire from rubbing you would probably need to go 2 inches wider then factory. Mine is close the rims are OK but tires are close. With 6.5 mine would not even be bolt-able to the truck.

[Alvarez1112]

Thanks! So you mean 4" wider than stock. 2" each side? Getting new wheels is no big deal if it's easier. I just had these from a mustang build. I'm waiting for some 9" ends to show up to see how they measure in legnth. I just wish I had some tires and I'd just measure, but I don't want to spend money on a set that I won't be running.

[Disturbing V6]

I understand that one

[onehookinsuv]

A buddy of mine has a stock width Explorer rear in a first gen. with 28 x 9" slick on a 15 x 10 with 7.5" backspace. He has no problem.

[Disturbing V6]

Thats a lot of backspacing. I had to go a inch wider then stock because of the 295s a 9 inch slick will fit on stock width rear. Think this way 295 65 15s at 13psi are 3 inches wider then the 9 inch slick. And still tuck them under the rear. Plus he's changing to 9 inch axle ends just not sure which ones he running. I running Moser conversion ends. If these are the ones you are using Alvarez1112 just to let you know you will have to switch all your brakes over to 5.0 mustang 8.8 brakes the explorer will no longer bolt up or at least not right.

[Alvarez1112]

I'm using the Explorer disc brakes. They sell 9" ends that are designed for them. Actually many companies sell disc brake kits that use Explorer brakes! They just need a 2.5" brake spacing on the axles.

[Disturbing V6]

Might be something new they come out with since I put mine in. When I put mine in the ends do require the 2.5 inches of backspace but the ends also changes over to the late 80s early 90's 5.0 mustang 8.8 axle flange which is smaller then the explorer.

[Alvarez1112]

Hmmm I dunno. I matched the flanges up and they're the same as far as the bolt holes are concerned. Maybe we have two different 9" ends.

[Alvarez1112]

I've decided to throw some 275's on it and see what happens. If anyone is wondering I called Moser and the housing end needed for the exploder brakes is part #7750. "New style large bearing"

[Diabolical]

Good info bro!!
Thanks

[Disturbing V6]

OK thats the difference your's run the large bearings mine run the 9 inch small bearings. Wish they had that when I built mine would of saved some head ache.