Ford 8.8 Swap

a member asked me to give them a rundown on a 8.8 swap, to the best of my knowledge.... so i thought

sure no problem....

1.)ok...90-97 explorers....this is the vehicle you're looking for...

2.)me, i would be looking for a 95-97 due to they had disc brakes...

3.) GEARING....if you search correctly you can get them in a 3.55,3.73, and 4.10 gearing...great for sreet 3.55 to strip 4.10.... While looking at the tags on the back, you can tell the gearing buy looking at the first 3 numbers...they will say either 355,373,or 410. If an L appears in between the 1st and 2nd number (3L55), It's a limited slip...look for a limited slip..

4.)Now the most important part is getting it to fit, All you have to do is..... find to explorers (one for the complete rear, and one for an axle) LQK and other boneyards always have explorers with drums.. 95-97 can tend to be harder..dependant on where u live...but in time, you will prevail...
You will need the shorter side axel from the 2nd explorer (i'm quite sure it's the passanger side, you'll have to look at my other threads to see... here's one that might help http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=9224&page=3&pp=20 )

now you will have 2 of the shorter axles.. find a welder/machine shop/ etc. and get them to cut down the longer axle shaft of the housing to match the shorter side...now you will replace the longer axle with the spare short axle...now you have a centered 8.8 with limited slip and disc brakes (i'f you're lucky)

5.) for spring perchs... find the width of the spring perchs of and 8 3/4,8 1/4,7 1/4 for an a-body, spend the $11 to get new ones..... and get the shop to measure and weld them for ya...

now here's some tips....

make sure to remove the c-clip b4 trying to remove the shorter axle of the spare short axle.

make sure even if it says it's limited slip, to look inside and check for the s-style clip in teh carrier, if it doens't have it..it's not a limited slip.

these are just basic guidelines..by no means is it going to be this simple, something is buond to go wrong...lol... i had to buy and return 4 rears b4 i gave up bc i found an 8 3/4...

i would recommend being patient and pulling it yourself, it's not hard, if you have a buddy or 2

these babies are set-up for a nice 400hp i wouldn't push her more than 450hp.

I would always recommend rebuilding it a bit, there are so many rebuild kits. Replace seals, bearings etc. BUT THAT'S JUST MY OPINION!!! If you've seen my 8 3/4 you know how particular i get.


GOOD LUCK EVERYONE..AND REMEMBER...THSI IS ONLY A BASIC GUIDELINE ON SATRTING A SUCCESSFUL SWAP....