Ford explorer 8.8's bolt right in!

[sbctols1]

I put a 31 spline,disc brake,posi,3.73 gear 8.8 ford rearend in my '91 s10. It was a DIRECT bolt-in. The spring perches and all lined up. All for $300. Different backspace/bolt pattern wheels. They come bone stock in Ford Explorers and they are all 31 spline,some are disc brake and some are posi's. This is the bargain of the s10 world. Hell I had $1000 into my previous rear diff which was a 9" and it was only a 28 spline and it still had drum brakes. Seriously though guys the 8.8 is a bargain.

[434 smallblock]

good post and info

[Diabolical]

What year Explorer would be the direct fit?

[XonSPRAY]

i have one out of a 2000 its a 31 spline w/ disk and 3.73.... but it is a good bit wider and it has an offset chunk

would it hurt to put it in with the chunk not being centered??

[sbctols1]

What year Explorer would be the direct fit?

'90 and up bolt right in. '90-'94 are drum brakes. '95 and up are all disc brakes. The 4x4 and 4x2 are the same width. They are all 31 spline axles as well.

[85cam]

how did you hook up the driveshaft?
Dont you need an adapter for the ujoint rear?

[sbctols1]

Conversion joint from napa

[XonSPRAY]

what about the passenger side axle being a couple inches longer than the driver (or the other way around)

[sbctols1]

what about it? It sits in the truck perfectly strait. The pinion is ofset at the center to make up the difference.

[Mad Max]

I looked at the Ford rears and they looked like a direct swap. You confirmed it. How much diffrence is the offset? No big deal with the wheel bolt pattern, the offset is more important. Is there 2 or 3 inches or is it an inch or less? There are so many different wheel offsets that it wouldn't be a problem to buy the right wheel offset.
I posted earlier that I bolted a 2000 balzer disc rear into my 91 S10 short box. It still won't hold out to a 600 HP engine, but I'm running a weezer V6. It is a bonus to have the discs and the Eaton clutch posi in the Blazer rear end. I have a 383 short box that will need a solid rear at some point. Good post - thanks for the info.

[01XtremeLT1]

The Ford 8.8 swap has been on my things to do list since i put the v8 in. I have the 7.5 3.42 blazer posi rear with disc brakes currently. I feel its on borrowed time. I know this swap it will be done at the same time as the HCI. Tranny will also be built to handle the added ponies too.

Thanks for the info. now I know it will be easier than I anticipated.

[dand355]

very good info :thumbsup::thumbsup: that'll help alot of s10ers

[01XtremeLT1]

Napa's part # PUJ-372 for $29.99 online. I found the same u-joint at Summit racing, part # PCN-372 for $15.99. Of course I didn't check shipping costs.

[2ndgen10]

lots of guys will shorten the long side to be the same width as the shorter ( forget what is shorter or longer) but then you use two shorter axles. One thing to remember, although your 9" was a 28 spline and the 8.8 is a 31 spline, I would feel a lot "safer" with the 9". Unless you are going to add to your 300$ price tag and add some c-clip eliminators. If you do break a axle, your going to loose a wheel.

[sbctols1]

lots of guys will shorten the long side to be the same width as the shorter ( forget what is shorter or longer) but then you use two shorter axles. One thing to remember, although your 9" was a 28 spline and the 8.8 is a 31 spline, I would feel a lot "safer" with the 9". Unless you are going to add to your 300$ price tag and add some c-clip eliminators. If you do break a axle, your going to loose a wheel.

Hey my calipers with hold the axle in. LOL. Either way I would of had more into an aftermarket set of axles than the entire price of the 8.8

[01XtremeLT1]

any pics of the install? I'm curious as to how this looks.

[sbctols1]

These are some pretty crude pictures here but this is all i have for now. They really don't do it justice...

[sbctols1]

And one more crude one...

[01XtremeLT1]

Any problems with the pumpkin being off center? I'm curious with the blazer being a shorter wheelbase than the short bed pichup if the offset angle would hurt anything. I run corvette wheels already for Daily use so the rear being wider will help me. I won't have a need for the spacers. What has me concerned is the non centered pumpkin.

[lxtasy]

Get another passenger side axle and get it cut down and welded back up than.

[sbctols1]

The offset center will actually make the u-joint rotate and cycle the needle bearings better. No problems with it driving...even well past 100mph. LOL!

[Diabolical]

hehehe

[hotrod84]

very good post. i have been thinking about this swap for a while

[sbctols1]

I've heard people knocking this swap at other forums. It seems the 9" gets all the glory. Hell I had more than a grand into a 28 spline 9". But the explorer 8.8 really is the best bang for the buck when it comes to s10 rearend upgrades.

[Mad Max]

These are some pretty crude pictures here but this is all i have for now. They really don't do it justice...
Did you redrill the bolt pattern for Chevy BP or are you using Ford BP wheels?
I see TONS of the disc Exploder rear axles at the local Baton Rouge U Pull yards. Cheeeeep too. Like 125 for a complete assembly. I'm gonna grab a few. Prob is that they probably won't be lockers.

[sbctols1]

Did you redrill the bolt pattern for Chevy BP or are you using Ford BP wheels?
I see TONS of the disc Exploder rear axles at the local Baton Rouge U Pull yards. Cheeeeep too. Like 125 for a complete assembly. I'm gonna grab a few. Prob is that they probably won't be lockers.

I was buying new wheels anyway so I ordered up 5 on 4.5" 15x10" weld draglites.

[01XtremeLT1]

Does one tire stick out from the body more than the other side or are they even with the body on both sides. I've been told that it does but I haven't seen clear enough evidence either way.

[Diabolical]

You will have another option for the S-10 soon enough!

[01XtremeLT1]

You will have another option for the S-10 soon enough!

ok now I'm confused. are you working on something?

[lxtasy]

Hmmm. Maybe the lt1 blazer might need to go out of town for a "test batch" of all the good suspension stuff :D

[Diabolical]

As a matter of fact!! I am working my ass off on something!
Pics soon..

[01XtremeLT1]

I'm thinking the same thing... ROAD TRIP!!!

[lxtasy]

We would need to take 2 vehicles, because we know the blazer will be on the "prowl" on the way down there.

[01XtremeLT1]

hmmm, you think? lol

[vicn8r]

I have done this swap in my s10. It is about 3" wider than the s10. going to different offset rear wheels is a must. I picked up a 4.10 locker diff with rear disc brakes at the salvage yard for $250. Truck runs 11.00 at 118 on stock axles.With no problems yet. Switching to 4.88 this winter, we will see what happens next year. make sure to get the flange from the explorer driveshaft end and use the napa ujoint, works great.

[78gmc]

http://forums.s-series.org/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=39397
heres a tech page from another site if it helps

[01XtremeLT1]

I just picked up a disc brake 8.8 with 4.10s in it last saturday. It was from a C4C truck. It's being installed with the lastest project thread I have.

[Diabolical]

How about a build page on just the rear?

[01XtremeLT1]

I've been taking some pics all along with my phone so I guess I'll need to use my better camera...lol

rear is painted now and willbe painting the calipers tonight. getting new brake pads and rotors tomorrow. Need to inspect the brake hoses too and see if they need replacing. I will keep tabs on costs so people will have an idea what the swap will be out of pocket.

[434 smallblock]

Good post keep it coming

[sevenseven]

please make this a sticky....

[01XtremeLT1]

Calipers were painted, new hydraulic hose was purchased along with new brake pads and brake disc Hardware Kit for the calipers. Diff cover arrived along with universal joint for the pinion flange.

I need to remove the ford stabilizer bar brackets since they will not be needed and will interfere slightly with the shocks. I still need to find a s10 stabilizer bushing with 3-1/2" ubolt to fit the explorer rear.

[sevenseven]

any difference in the brake line fittings between Gm and Ford?

[01XtremeLT1]

I've heard from some say they connect right up and others say you just need a 7/16 - 3/8 fitting. I will know soon. I just finished putting the rear back together

[lxtasy]

got the 8.8 bolted into the 01 blazer.

Here is a hint. GET 1st gen leafspring/shock mounted pads. 98+ up (so far as we know) have them built into the rear.

Another thing. The wheels stick out a hair. Will have post pics tomorrow.

[Diabolical]

X2.. need pics!!

[sbctols1]

please make this a sticky....

Good idea! That would be my first sticky on here, woohoo!:rock:

[01XtremeLT1]

Did the brake line from the master cylinder hook up to the ford brake line? is it the same thread.

[cookmaster30]

yes everything hook right up.

i have been running my 8.8 for a year with no issues, but my question is do any of you guys have any good info on shortening the rear with a short side axle. also how muchy should it cost to have done. i have 5.5 backspace draglites and i think the shortside axle trick might be just enough. also what would be the cost to just go ahead and have it completely shortened to stock width.

thanks guys

[Diabolical]

I will sticky this for you guys :)

[sevenseven]

yes everything hook right up.

i have been running my 8.8 for a year with no issues, but my question is do any of you guys have any good info on shortening the rear with a short side axle. also how muchy should it cost to have done. i have 5.5 backspace draglites and i think the shortside axle trick might be just enough. also what would be the cost to just go ahead and have it completely shortened to stock width.

thanks guys

The cost will vary...there is always the guy next door that will do it for a Happy meal..but what ya gettin? :glasses2:The only reason I am looking into the swap is so I dont have to get it shortened. If I have to get it shortened...Ill just put my 9 inch in after it is shortened. Can you verify what year explorer 2wd or 4wd disc or drum and a measurement of the rear from backing plate to backing plate. This is the only true way since people might have a different backspacing preference/choice. In some classes the backspace cant be off. For instance the class i am interested in the "tire cant be 1 inch past the rear fender".:nono:

Please Im not trying to pick on you or say anything bad about your truck or anyone elses. I am just looking for the facts which will help everyone and the board move further. This seems to be a popular swap...but then Diabolical is workin on some secret stuff that might be a better option? :stirpot::21:

I found a 97 explorer 4wd rear which has disc for $250 which would be cheaper than my 9 but I would have to buy C-clips elim. for. I just need more info?

[sevenseven]

Ok Vcn8tr says it is 3 inches wider...the article also confirms this that was posted. How much to change the bolt pattern through moser?

[lxtasy]

4wd and 2wd explorers are the very same measurements. Nothing difference size wise.

[sevenseven]

Thanks man I appreciate it.

[lxtasy]

NOW, when you are picking up these rears. They come in 3.55, 3.73, and 4.10's. Look at the buck tag on the diff cover.

and look for the 3l73 and 4l10 As the L is "locker" rear. If there is just a space inbetween NO POSI/LOCKER

[sevenseven]

Thanks Do you know how much it is to get my axles drilled form Moser?

[lxtasy]

No sir. We are running the stock 31 spline axles that come in the explorer axles. We are getting the axles redrilled along with the rotors from a friend of ours who has a template to do so.

[421s10]

got the 8.8 bolted into the 01 blazer.

Here is a hint. GET 1st gen leafspring/shock mounted pads. 98+ up (so far as we know) have them built into the rear.

Another thing. The wheels stick out a hair. Will have post pics tomorrow.

what happened to the pics of the wheels sticking out?

[cookmaster30]

here is a pic of mine with a 8.8 and 5.5 backspaced draglites with 275/;50 frag radials so you can get an idea

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c316/cookmaster30/s-10%20pics/DSC00042.jpg

[Diabolical]

Man.. that truck looks sharp..
I had one of those phantom grills.. wish I would have never sold it..
I like the stance too!!

[cookmaster30]

thanks man. i love her lol. i have always wanted a phantom grill and came across this one and didn't hesitate. i still want to find one of the 19 bar (i think)grills. they are even more impossible to find though

[lxtasy]

what happened to the pics of the wheels sticking out?

I will get them as soon as I can. HOUSE stuff has come up :( Truck is sitting in the garage and hard to take a pic...Will have to pull it out and take a pic tomorrow since it will be out alittle anyways

[sevenseven]

here is a pic of mine with a 8.8 and 5.5 backspaced draglites with 275/;50 frag radials so you can get an idea

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c316/cookmaster30/s-10%20pics/DSC00042.jpg

Sharp truck! What backspace is the rear wheels in that pic??

[cookmaster30]

thanks man they are 8 inch wheels with 5.5 backspacing

[01XtremeLT1]

I also found the 98+ lower leaf perches. the shock mounts are on them. the 98+ is no different than the first gens. So we are good to go.

We still have not taken pics of the tires sticking out but its similiar to cookmaster30's pic but we have 4.5" BS and the extreme wheel flares. I think the 5.5 bs would be perfect for the 8.8 in my case. and the corvette wheels wil fit perfect without spacers once the bolt pattern is changed to GM

[sevenseven]

Thanks cookmaster30..So I have to ask if you changed the wheels would you be ok? Im guessing that would depend on your wheel availability. Xtreme pics for the win!!!

[cookmaster30]

5.5 backspace is as big as i have found in a 8 inch draglite. i am wanting to shorten my 8.8 this winter.

[96407s10]

yes everything hook right up.

i have been running my 8.8 for a year with no issues, but my question is do any of you guys have any good info on shortening the rear with a short side axle. also how muchy should it cost to have done. i have 5.5 backspace draglites and i think the shortside axle trick might be just enough. also what would be the cost to just go ahead and have it completely shortened to stock width.

thanks guys


They are very easy to shorten the drivers side it took me about 1 1/2 hours and it was back under the truck. I will see if I can find the pictures.

[cookmaster30]

They are very easy to shorten the drivers side it took me about 1 1/2 hours and it was back under the truck. I will see if I can find the pictures.

if you could do a step by step for us stupid people that would be awesome

[Bacon]

if you could do a step by step for us stupid people that would be awesome

x2 lol

[hotrod84]

x2 lol

x3

[96407s10]

I can't find my pictures so I will find another housing and do a walk through guide with lots of pictures.

[cookmaster30]

that would be great man

[Diabolical]

X2!!

[Bacon]

Called a place today in GA and they said it would be $75 to do the housing and if i had to have axles cut too, it would be $50 each axle.

[01XtremeLT1]

I know this has not been updated for awhile. We discovered while hooking up the brakes the GM hard line (1/4" male) and the Ford flex hose (3/16" female) do not fit together as I was hoping. This is for disc brakes, I'm not sure about drum brakes. So through a day of research as to the size fittings required to make this work. I found you need a 1/4" female x 3/16" male brake system adapter. These are found at Advanced Auto ($1.99 from behind the counter and $2.99 from the display case in a nice little package.) Autozone #499-052.1 ($2.49) (http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/accessories/accProductDetails.jsp?categoryDisplayName=Performa nce&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=895789_0_0_&productId=895789&sortType=&parentId=8-10&filterByKeyWord=brake+system+adapter&categoryNValue=100008&navValue=101443&fromWhere=&itemId=1443-10&displayName=1/4+in.+female+x+3/16+in.+male+brake+line+adapter&store=1035&skuDisplayName=1/4+in.+female+x+3/16+in.+male+brake+line+adapter&brandName=Dorman). You can also get a Weatherhead #7828.

I do not have an O'Reilly or Napa part number.

[sbctols1]

That is the only special part I used when I put mine in. Again this is a bolt-in swap. Which is weird because it seems im always welding something when i install it in my truck.

[Diabolical]

Very good info guys..

[tomcowle]

What are the face to face dimensions of a s10 rear?

What are the face to face dimensions of the explorer rear?

[2ndgen10]

What are the face to face dimensions of a s10 rear?

What are the face to face dimensions of the explorer rear?

face to face on s10 is 54", believe the explorer is 57. I got a 9 out of an old 68 bronco and its 58

[01XtremeLT1]

here is the information on the explorer rears
fro The ranger station

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.php

[Diabolical]

Nice link.. saved :)

[BUTCHERBOY]

Hey Guys. Just reading here.

I did a 8.8 on my 88' blazer. And yeah, with 5.5" back space Cragar Welds. The rear sticks out. The Driver side is the worst.

Besides that, very easy swap.

Picked mine up for $100. 4L10 Out a 2000 Exploder.

861

862

863

864

865

866

867

868

869

870

[BUTCHERBOY]

Post some better Pictures in next day or so. Part ## I used.

And measurements.

Justin

[EDMUNDFLASH]

ok im going with the 8.8 in my 84 ex cab S10
what kind of drive shaft would be the best to use with this swap with a 350/350turbo short tail

[01XtremeLT1]

ok im going with the 8.8 in my 84 ex cab S10
what kind of drive shaft would be the best to use with this swap with a 350/350turbo short tail

I used the explorer driveshaft and had it cut to the dimension I needed. Then swapped out the yoke to the gm yoke. But you may need a longer DS and I heard the full size truck DS will fit . You will still need to MEASURE for the proper length once you have everything set in place. Remember to get the piece from the Ford DS to mate to the 8.8

[East End Riders]

My dad used the stock s10 drive shaft...?

[lxtasy]

My dad used the stock s10 drive shaft...?

Did he get the adapter piece for the gm to ford rear

[East End Riders]

I don't know...

[BUTCHERBOY]

The Drive line shop just built mine out of a Grain truck core I had. Just got the correct U-joints to match my 700 R4 yoke that come with the dime. Went together great. Slid right into the TH-350 my blazer has now.

Any good shop, can match your parts. Just ask them on how they need measurements. Yoke distance from the transmisson tail housing. And to the back side of the 8.8 yoke where it bolts on. Measure, measure! With the wheels on the ground supension at ride height..

. Take everything you have up there. Thats what I did.

Just find a longer shaft some where. They can do the rest.
My length wouldn't be the same. Every build has different factors. But it's 59.5 "
Just my 2 cents

Justin

[slo-ride]

I did the 8.8 swap in my 94 pick up. i had a custom shaft made and got the flange of an explorer shaft. rims with a 4.5in backspace tuck street tires pretty nice but the slicks stick out a little bit. I put mine through hell and it has taken everything I've thrown at it. It is well worth the price in my book.

[mrthink1st]

With the change over to the 8.8 what is the most backspacing on a 8 and 10 inch rim that can be used?

[01XtremeLT1]

You can run fbody and corvette wheels with no problem. I have an unshortened explorer 8.8 rear in the xtreme and run y2k wheels for daily and 15x10 with 7.6 bs for track.

[littlewickeds10]

is that for gen 1 s10's also?

[Mark @ Hammerhead Racing]

I put a 31 spline,disc brake,posi,3.73 gear 8.8 ford rearend in my '91 s10. It was a DIRECT bolt-in. The spring perches and all lined up. All for $300. .

Bought TWO today for $200 and some change..

[01XtremeLT1]

is that for gen 1 s10's also?

I'm pretty sure the 15x10 7.5 bs will work on the 1st gen too. I remember someone else here running that wheel/bs combo. That's how I knew mine would work with the 7.6 bs.

[lxtasy]

I found some chrome moly 31 spline axles with c clip elimators with double drill for gm or ford bolt pattern.

http://www.baseline4x4.com/p-3444-ya-wf88-31-kit-yukon-ford-88-ultimate-axle-shaft-kit-95-02-ford-explorer-4340-chrome-moly-c-clip-eliminator-31-spline.aspx?keyword=ya+wf88-31-kit

Lifetime warranty! Since IHRA seems to require aftermarket axles for anything going 5.99 or faster in the 1/8th mile. These will do

[01XtremeLT1]

the two bolt patterns of choice are 5x4.5 and 5x5.5 the s10 is 5x4.75

[83blazerV8]

I know this has not been updated for awhile. We discovered while hooking up the brakes the GM hard line (1/4" male) and the Ford flex hose (3/16" female) do not fit together as I was hoping. This is for disc brakes, I'm not sure about drum brakes. So through a day of research as to the size fittings required to make this work. I found you need a 1/4" female x 3/16" male brake system adapter. These are found at Advanced Auto ($1.99 from behind the counter and $2.99 from the display case in a nice little package.) Autozone #499-052.1 ($2.49) (http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/accessories/accProductDetails.jsp?categoryDisplayName=Performa nce&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=895789_0_0_&productId=895789&sortType=&parentId=8-10&filterByKeyWord=brake+system+adapter&categoryNValue=100008&navValue=101443&fromWhere=&itemId=1443-10&displayName=1/4+in.+female+x+3/16+in.+male+brake+line+adapter&store=1035&skuDisplayName=1/4+in.+female+x+3/16+in.+male+brake+line+adapter&brandName=Dorman). You can also get a Weatherhead #7828.

I do not have an O'Reilly or Napa part number.
i know this might not be relavent but i used the stock axle hardline off of the 10bolt and massaged the line and it went right into the ford 9 inch wheel cylinders so it still has the factory brake lines i dont know if that would work for the 8.8 with it being longer than the 10bolt