8.8 Info

[elgemcdlf]

Since I have an 8.8 center section in my IRS I have been doing some homework. The Explorer has 31 spline axles. Cars & Rangers (with 1 exception) have 28. You can swap any carrier assembly into any 8.8 housing & Ford put a ton of options into the rear axle. I will be junkyarding for a set of 3.55 gears on a Trac Loc carrier. For more complete info check this link.

http://www.differentials.com/technical- ... tification

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

[ultraranger]

I have a complete '96 Explorer 8.8" rear disc brake axle assembly with the 31-spline axles and 3.55 gears, but it doesn't have the Traction-Lok differential.

I also have a '90 Super Coupe IRS rear assembly with 3.27 gears and it has aTraction-Lok differential. As far as half shaves for the IRS, I'm not certain if the '03-'04 Cobra IRS rears had 31-splines and if so, if they would fit the T-Bird IRS(?).

I want to say that I've read there is a difference in the Traction-Lok differential for a solid axle 8.8" vs. one for an IRS. You may have to do some internet searching for the definitive answer on that though.

The 8.8" gearsets themselves are interchangeable between solid axle and IRS.