First your sway bar mounts you want to transfer over wont fit the exlporer8.8, has bigger tubes. And the 2010 ranger 8.8 disk axle never had the option for an LSD.
I was aware of the former, but there other ways to fix that. I've even read of several people that have used the 28 spline mounting hardware on a 31 spline axle with no problems.
I was not aware of the latter. That's just stupid on Ford's part, but then so were a lot of the things they did with Rangers in the later years.
Second what if i told you i am giving Brenden an 8.8 explorer diff with a new auburn pro LSD all for free.
Well, let's see... Nope he didn't say all of that, just that he had access to the Auburn. In response to what you say, I'd say I wish I had your paycheck. If you weren't on the other side of the country I'd also say let me have that stock axle when you get done. I could install a LSD, but you are on the other side of the country and if it can't use the pumpkin sensor I can't use it.
The fact that he has access to a FREE Auburn and a FREE Explorer 8.8, and someone that can help him get the axle set-up, welded and installed makes things a lot different. Still doesn't help his ABS, TC, and RSC issues though.
Third 8.8explorer has a load capacity 3200lbs compared to any ranger axle at 2700lbs.
I would point out that that load capacity is based on more than just the axle. It's also based on vehicle weight, springs, and braking capacity among other things.
Fourth the truck may not have a HiPo motor nor ever will, but the added weight of a shell, carpet kit, (enclosed ladder rack with jack, spare tire, and room for 8 people to sit in chairs) may dictate the bigger sway bar, axle tube dia. and spline count.
Dictate a bigger swaybar, sounds like it. Dictate stronger leaf springs, possibly. Dictate bigger axle tube diameter and higher spline count, not at all.
Even if the ladder rack is a platform I fail to see where 8 people will sit in chairs. I damn sure don't see where it could do it safely while moving. The load you mention should be well within the load capacity of the 28 spline axle. The added weight of 6 or 7 more people while the truck is static won't hurt the axle, springs on the other hand...
I'm not trying to say that the 28 spline is as strong as the 31 spline, but the 28 spline isn't going to break just because you put 3200lbs on it. That said, regardless of which axle you have under it the springs might never go back to their original shape if you over load them like that.
Fifth we were just at the ridgcrest 300 working pit 'C' for our race team. if we destroy the axle in any way how would we pit for our team?
The same way that you would with a broken 31 spline axle. If as pit crew you are doing anything to break a 28 spline axle, you'll also be breaking a 31 spline axle. If it were the truck that is racing then I could see the need, but you are talking about a pit vehicle. If you are really worried about that, I think you need a bigger pit truck.
Sixth we have our reasons and do what we will do, the how is what he was asking...
Cool, then do it. ADSM and I have both given thoughts as to where you may find solutions to your problems. Ford never built anything on the RBV platform that used individual sensors at each rear wheel and a 31 spline axle. The setup on 2010 & 2011 Rangers came from government regulations that required TC and RSC to be standard equipment, by this legislation's introduction the Explorer was already on a different platform.
Prior to 2005 (maybe it was 2004) Explorers used the 31 spline solid axle with ABS but they too had just one sensor in the pumpkin. The 2005 and up Mustangs used a 31 spline disk braked axle and thanks to the same legislation later models probably have sensors at each wheel. If the '10+ Ranger had a drum-in-hat parking brake like the Explorers did, then the Mustang most likely has a different style rear brake system and the sensors won't work without swapping the whole system. The F-150 is probably closer to the same style brake setup as the '10+ Ranger, but the components are larger, set-up for 6 lug, and once again would likely require swapping in the whole rear disk system. That is all speculation of course. Out of curiosity I've searched since this thread was posted, but can not find any information online about how the traction control or ABS system and sensors work on these later model vehicles. Can't really even find anything on the components used for it.
I've also searched on Explorer axle swaps into '10+ Rangers. From what I can tell y'all are the first people to even inquire about it. If anyone has done it yet the either aren't keen on sharing the info, or they didn't care about having the ABS and TC (and possibly speedo) functioning when they got done.
You are entering uncharted territory here, so unfortunately you'll probably have to be the guinea pig for it. Please keep track of what you find and let us know. Your finding may help someone else with this project in the future, hell might even help me if I ever end up with a '10+ that needs an axle.