Has anyone tried to put an 8.8 out of a ford explorer into a pinto? They are both leaf spring cars...anyone??
Quote from: dstarkey on April 12, 2006, 08:18:24 PM
Has anyone tried to put an 8.8 out of a ford explorer into a pinto? They are both leaf spring cars...anyone??
Can't say that I have done this....
But my question would be WHY? ???
But..... I'm an Explorer lover! :lol:
Even from another vechicle with leafs, you still need to look at pinion angle, diff. location (centered or offset), perch size/shape/spacing, brake type/size, e-brake cable type and overall width.
Bill
If you do attempt this swap, please provide details, measurements, and photos. I'd like to see what it takes to get one of those rearend to work in a Pinto as well!
Using the rearend was something I was thinking about doing. But I am no where near starting it. It seems like a pretty logical choice even if there is a little work involved.
Jake
its a lot of work for a rear end thats not as strong as a bolt-in 8" rear out of a mustang II or v6 pinto. And i beleive its also too wide.
JMHO.
-Harry
Are you sure about the strength? The 5.0 Exploder can tow a pretty hefty amount. That should be a pretty strong rear end.
Jake
I've had a few early Mustangs with the 8" rears and an '86 5.0 LX coupe with the 8.8". I had no problems with the 8.8" after 138K miles and just a few minor problems with the 8". I would have to say that the 8.8 has to be at least as strong as the 8", if not stronger. I wouldn't hesitate in using an 8.8 in anything, if it fit.
well, back when I used to go to the ranger/explorer forums back in the day, a lot of people were having problems with the 8.8's breaking from either hopped up 5.0's or larger tires.
-Harry
i hope i break mine in my mustang, then id have no choice but a 9 inch
I know this is an old thread, but I put an explorer 8.8 in a ranger a few years ago. It is a STOUT rear end with 31 spline axles and a trac loc diff stock. My truck weighed in at 3220 and ran 11.87 @ 115 in the 1/4 with a 347 and launched great with 325/50/15 drag radials. This rear end is a great rear end. The only problems are that is is wider and the diff is off center. I have read of people who will have the long side shortened to match the other side and then run both short axles.
Just thought I would throw this out there...
Sounds like too much work. Just install an 8incher and be happy with it. Also heard ford 9inchers from the 50s would fit too.
i dunno0 aobut a 9 inch from the 50's cause im pretty sure they didnt make 9 inchs back then but the granada and lincoln versailles which are late 70's early 80 cars they both had 9 inch rears that will directly bolt under a bobcat/pinto and the lincoln rear has disc brakes but the cheapest one ive found so far was 900.
As for the explorer rear its about 2 3/4 inchs wider from hub to hub then a normal pinto rear and has a 3 inch offset pumpkin which could be a problem and cause the driveshaft to hit the tunnel. You would prolly have to get 2 passenger side axles and then cut 3 inchs out of the drivers side axle tube so that the pumpkin is centered then you would have a 8.8 that is 1/4 narrower then the factory 8 inch.
Oh and as for the strength of a 8.8 i have seen more then one 8.8 with well over 600 horse to the rear wheels with no problem the only problem they do have is when you start pushing some power you need to install c-clip eliminators.
Quote from: Bigtimmay on June 03, 2010, 12:09:52 PM
i dunno0 aobut a 9 inch from the 50's cause im pretty sure they didnt make 9 inchs back then
i believe they came out in 1957. i agree with bigtimmay. a modded 8.8 is bullet proof. a buddy has a twin turbo 598 bbf on methonal and runs a modded 8.8. its been in the car for 8 or so years with no problems....although the original set up was a single turbo 408. its axle shafts are welded, the center is braced and girdled, its spooled and has some serious axles. plus, try finding a cheap 9 inch anymore. 8.8s are a dime a dozen. i paid $200 for my 01 explorer axle with disc, locer 373, sway bar, 31 spline and only 65k miles.
bob