50 Ford rear end swap.

Hi everyone. I'm looking for some advice, especially if you have a swapped a Ranger 8.8 in your shoebox. I picked one up today for 100 big ones w/3:55s. I had done some research on the overall width and this rear is good in that respect 56 1/2 overall. My question is regarding the pinion offset. It appears as though the new rear will e offset about 3/4" to the passenger side. Is this acceptable? If not, has anyone else used this rear and how did you overcome this?


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I don't think a 3/4" offset to the passenger side is going to have any ill-effects whatsoever.. However, I have been known to be incorrect!
But seriously, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

That 3/4 offset might be incorrect. I think it's larger. Check this out.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Ford-8_8-axle.shtml
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.shtml
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/transmission-drivetrain/1308-ford-rear-axle/
http://www.clubhotrod.com/hot-rod-talk/50835-rear-end-width-89-8-8-ford.html

 

19 fordy, thank you for those links. There is a ton of info there. When I say 3/4" on the offset I mean I think it's 3/4" MORE offset to the pass side than my stock rear end. In other words my stock rear appears to be about 2" off set to pass side and this new 8.8 is about 2 and 3/4". I've read a ton of forums on it and didn't realize until now that most people mention te ranger rear simply because of the overall width.


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The u-joint doesn't know the difference from up, down or sideways......
so long as the angle is within it's normal operating range.

Ray

 

I think I'm having a hard time figuring the offset because the drums on the 8.8 are a lot wider than the stock rear. My backing to backing plate measurement on the stock rear is 51-3/8" and on the 8.8 it's 48-3/4"


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Thanks Ray, that's a great point lol


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I have a 7.5 Ranger rear in my 53 Ford. Been in there several years no problems.

 

You can narrow it by using another short axle and replacing the longer axle similar to this video:

 

As I recall the WMS to WMS of a Ford ranger 8.8 with disc brakes is 59 1/2 inches.

 

Some explorer and mustang 8.8 are that width as are the 92 and up Rangers. Mine is from a 1990 ranger and its 56 1/2" WMS to WMS.


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