http://mjbobbitt.home.comcast.net/mustang/5lug.html
The link is for a Mustang swap. I did take notice of this statement though:
So, anybody know what that axle length is? Is at the same as our cars and the 94-98 Mustang?
I read that, too. I also have the 10" drum and was gonna try those drums with the shorter ranger/aerostar axle. (not the 4.0 axle)
the ranger 8.8 axle width information can be confirmed here. (http://"http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html") near the bottom of the page.
i jus ran out and double checked the lengths. the axle tube on my TC 8.8 measured ~18.625". the drivers side tube on my 02 ranger 8.8 measured ~19.5"
thanks for reminding me that the ranger 8.8 got wider. this MAY lead to a cheap 5lug conversion for the stupid wide housing 7.5's in our cars(specifically my dads 87 V6!!!). it is not however, gonna be any help to you 10" drum guys.
time to do more diggin...
My only question is how does the ranger 10" drums work into the picture?
You need the 8.8's axels ( I'm guessing 2 driver side ones) to take advantage of the offset of it; or just new brake guts after you take the ranger drums and backing plates as well as the 2 driver side axels from a 7.5" ranger?
Some of our cars came with 10" rear drums from the factory (mine, for example).
If I WERE to upgrade I'd just call Moser up and have them do up a set of 94-98's with provisions for 5 lug drums (that's what I did 4 my current setup, albeit with 4 lug). Would run $250-275 for the set. It's nice to know that I could order pads and drums for an Explorer or Ranger and know that they would work.
Well, I'm about to start peicing together a 5 lug kit soon enough, and I like the 10" drum idea. I would assume you just get 2 driver 10" drum axels and drums/backing plates? If so I'll willingly be lab rat to find out
Well, I've come around to getting to do this....again. I repositioned the 87 TC in my garage, and am about to pull the 7.5" fox mustang axle out. I have my 88 XR7 rear sitting out back. I was wondering if any further info was found on the Ford Explorer. I know the 1995 or newer rears had 31 splines and disc brakes. Do you think it's possible to fit these onto the 88XR7 housing? width issues? I'm trying to keep the Fox Mustang width, which it appears the 88 XR7 rear housing already is (I think I read that right in the sticky). TIA (I also have the 87 TC emergency brake cable issue, and MC)
Eventually, I'd like to go the whole Moser 9" route, and swapping out the internals into their 9" housing would be great. Think this'll work?
4.0 L Rangers were eqipped with 10 inch drums according to the link I posted. If this is true it's exactly what I'm looking for because I already have 10 inch drums and wish to keep that size should I ever go 5 lug and do so on a budget with factory parts I can order over the counter from Anywhere parts inc. As stated if I do it, I'll just call Moser, but this is a great alternative....If the info is correct.
From what I understand and according to the sticky link on 7.5 to 8.8 swaps on this site the Explorer axles are gonna be a bit too long.
I suppose so. But like mentioned, having Moser build the axles in 5 lug to correct length, to fit the Explorer Braking setup, would it be feasible? Then again, maybe that would end up being newer Mustang length axles anyway. Just getting the specs would help, I guess. Around my neck of the woods, there's plenty of Explorers in the JY, and no Mustangs.
the explorer axle is a 31spline unit, and has big bearing ends. the brake calipers will not bolt onto a fox 8.8
big bearing pretty much says it. Thanks Gumby. After reading the mjbobbitt link, the flipped Lincoln swap seems doable.
Well here are some measurements I took like a year ago.
Ranger drum on the left, Fox 10" on the right.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/CougarSE/5lug10/drums.jpg)
Ranger drum uses wider shoes. It also has a different design to mesh with the backing plate. This does not fit over the Fox backing plate correctly.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/CougarSE/5lug10/height.jpg)
This is what I used to test. This is a wide 7.5" with 10" backing plates. (and quad shocks, odd ball) Thats an sn95 axle in there. The axle surface is in the same spot that the 4 lug would be but this is the wrong axle shaft for this housing. The bearing surface is in the incorrect spot.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/CougarSE/5lug10/axleinhouse.jpg)
Next big problem. Now these are 10" drums for a 7.5 axle so they have the small opening and the sn95 axle under it has the large opening. Jeremy was going to measure some 8.8" 10" ranger drums to check the hole but I'm not sure if he has done that.
The drum will not slide over the opening.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/CougarSE/5lug10/dontfit.jpg)
Fox axle
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/CougarSE/5lug10/fox.jpg)
sn95 axle
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/CougarSE/5lug10/sn953.jpg)
I was going to, but I found out enough to the internets to confirm what I needed to know.
10" drums had a 64.5mm hub diameter until 1997. In 1998, the Ranger started running with a 71mm hub diameter.
Our Foxes use 64.5mm
SN95 uses 71mm
Thanks guys. Anyone interested in an 88 XR7 rear end? :hick:
64.5mm=2.539"
71mm=2.795"
So, after all that, I think I'll use the 7.5" mustang rear interim. til I flip the bill for the moser rear. I just read about using the GM metric discs, Daymotorsports brackets, and a Dodge pickup MC. Anyone heard of this setup? it was in an '83 Mustang
Question: Is the Ranger axle compatible with a widebody 7.5 housing?
to the best of my knowledge, as long as you do not get an 02 FX4 or +03 FX4 levelII brake setup, yes the ranger 8.8 is a small bearing unit just like the fox. the FX4 package got a big bearing 31spline axle with a torsen diff.
i would grab some measurements for ya, but i dont have one here anymore....
are you thinkin complete ranger 10" drum assemblies with moser axles?
hmm, that would benefit the backing plate issue.
http://www.ratechmfg.com/fordaxlebear.htm shows the same parts for 7.5 and 8.8 autos, but not trucks. Doesn't say about the smaller explorer or ranger though.