Has anyone tried to install a Ford Ranger 8.8 trac-lok in a 49-51 Ford? the width is 56 1/2", same as a Maverick, but readily available and reasonably priced. Problem is the pinion is 3" off center to the right and the drive shaft won't clear the tunnel. Any solutions? Walt
8.8 in a shoebox
- Thread starter Flathead8
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19Fordy
Well-known member
Read this, especially the last posting. http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/656567-rearend-swap-info-faq.html
A friend of mine put an 8.8 in rear in his 51 Ford and it worked fine. However, it was not a Ranger rear. I think it was a Mustang. Also check out 8.8 in rears out of 91-94 Explorers.
19Fordy
Well-known member
This supports Barlea's posting about shortening one side and using a shorter axle.. Read entry by jcoby and others here.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/what-do-you-think-96-ford-explorer-rear-end-street-158702.html
This tells you how to shorten the 8.8 axle along with lots of other good info. Let us know how you make out.
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21538
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/what-do-you-think-96-ford-explorer-rear-end-street-158702.html
This tells you how to shorten the 8.8 axle along with lots of other good info. Let us know how you make out.
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21538
Thanks for the help-I figured there had to be a way. I have a '91 Explorer rearend and was going to use it except the width is to great. By shortening it per the sites you suggested, all will be fine---3.7 trac lock,wide tires and wheels and no more 1 wheel burn outs at the strip. I should be able to get into the 16's with two wheels working. Thanks again, Walt
Ole Don
Well-known member
I used an axle from a 1990 Ranger Super Cab 4X4. It is 56 5/8 wide at wheel mounting surface. There is a time soon after that the axle got wider, so be careful what you buy. Also, the four cylinder Ranger and some 3 L V6 had smaller brakes. Again be careful what you buy. The Super Cab big V6 4X4 meant it was a 3.73 traction loc. I used a torch to cut the spring mount off the top, and a stick welder to put new ones on the bottom. I warped the housing doing this. If anyone needs to know how to fix that, send a PM and I'll write it out. It was done here at home.