Hot Rods AV8 8.8 Explorer rear axle option

I wanted to share a great alternative rear axle for your next Model A project.

I just picked up my 8.8 rear axle from the machine shop for my '29 Model A coupe project. I purchased a '96 or newer rear axle from an Explorer or Mountaineer. Mine has a 3.73 ratio with traction lock and the '96 up all have disc brakes. By purchasing an extra "short" axle my machinist shortened the longer tube and cut it to use the "short" axle which with the discs installed measures 56.5/8" wide.

Why the 8.8? My guess is the early guys started using 9" rears because they were stronger and plentiful. The 8.8 is right there in the strength department with 31 spline axles standard and a big, thick, strong pinion as well plus everything is readily available at your local parts store. Pricing for the axle alone is really inexpensive, also.

After buying mine and having it refurbished, new seals, narrowed and new rotors redrilled to 4.3/4 and calipers, I'm way under $500.00 for a brand new rear that's the right width for my project. I will add a Ford Racing finned aluminum cover after it's under the car.

 

Thats the first time I've ever heard AV8 and Explorer used in the same sentence....

 

Does it have a drop out center like a 9"?
Are there other gears available? Thanks

 

no drop out ,think a camero 10,or 12 bolt. Just about any gear you would want. Same as the mustang.

 

Are you saying, look for gears out of any 8.8?

 

This may help...your salvage yard guy can also help you with what each rear has inside it.

Specs:
Code Capacity Ratio
43 Open 3200 3.08
41 Open 3200 3.27
42 Open 4.10
46 Open 3.73
45 Open 3200 3.55
D4 Limited Slip 3200 3.73
D2 Limited Slip 4.10
L73 Limited Slip 3.73
L - Limited Slip Differential
C - Conventional Differential

 

thanks!
I would like to get one for my avatar

 

i like disc brakes cause i like to go fast and stop fast, my 29 roadster has an 8.8 from a 97 explorer and the 38 pickup also has the 8.8' four wheel drive has a 3.73 and two wheel drive has a 3.55 i leave mine as is never had a problem, good luck

 

That is some very good info. My grandson and I are planning on putting a ford 8.8 under his 38 chevy truck.

 

I narrowed mine by myself, for free. I think I recall if you want 4:10 gears, look for the 2 door sport models.

 

i'm running one in the stude. 4.10 posi.eddie bauwer edition. i narrowed the one side myself. then went to LKQ and bought another short axle. still got less than 200 dollars in it.

 

I used a '90 Ford Ranger rear in my Flathead powered '29 rpu. The 56" width was perfect. It's a 7.5" ring gear, but my 110 horspeower flathead ain't gonna hurt that axle no matter how I try.


Bob

 

Yep what he said, but things change and there a pile of 8.8's out there

 

I've hesitated to set up a build thread on my Model A coupe because I'm not using "traditional" components but maybe I need to rethink that!

 

There are some cool ribbed covers available for the 8.8 also. Rock crawler guys started making them. Some look good, some kinda cheesy.

 

Explorer 8.8's are a great cheap axle. The newer ones have 31 splines, disc brakes with factory ebrakes etc. The one down side is they are a c-clip axle although that isn't as bad as it could be since the rear caliper will hold the axle shaft in should it brake. We use these all the time for building offroad jeeps. They are ok behind mild v8's as the come stock in v8 explorers and 1/2 ton f150's. There are several offroad companies that offer parts for them. M.O.R.E (mountain offroad Enterprises) is my favorate for various conversion parts. If you are 4 linking then I also really like Artec Industries. They have a 4 link/truss kit that comes in kit form and it all interlocks so you can weld. Gives a lot of strenght and is already set up for 4 link and panhard bar. Or for a little extra you can get the brackets for triangulation and ditch the panhard bar. The original design for a Jeep Wrangler TJ is for coil spring suspension. Both of these companies build for the offroad market so they should stand up to street abuse easily.

Thanks,
Scott

 

Do any of these come with 31 spline axles and drum brakes? If so which ones?

 

Mine has F-150 11” drums/axles and a 2.74 rear. I had it built. If anything has 31 that would be one of them. The 2.74’s are not available new any more and we’re pre-OD transmissions. A lot of the housing iron was cut away since I was putting it in a 56 Ford Fairlane.

 

1996 and earlier Explorer/Mountaineer.

These are basically the Chevy 12-bolt Car rear in Ford form. Takes most of the same bearings, has the same pinion shaft diameter, and the Traction Lok clutches will interchange with 12-bolt Eaton clutches.
The 28 spline version slightly weaker than a 12 bolt, the 31 spline version a tiny but stronger(12-bolt is 30 spline axle)

Good tough rear, I know of guys using trussed, girdle cover, spool and aftermarket 33 spline axles in stock housings running high 8 second 1/4 miles at over 150 MPH with them.

 

my 2018 F150 has e locker

 

Thanks Jimmy. What axles did you use after cutting the housing to width? If you went to 56" did you just use 2 short axles?