I want to swap rears for 2 reasons. I want to change ratios to probably 4.10s since I will likely use tall tires(like 255/70/15s). The second reason is because I want to swap the axle under the springs. I've never been a big fan of having the rear on top of the springs. Putting a 4x4 Ranger rear will allow me to do that without have to mod it.
Having looked at how much work it is to swap in an Explorer rear I will probably get an 8.8 out of a ranger to make it simpler. Biggest choice now is whether to go with the 10" drums or swap to rear discs......
I can get a 8.8" out of a 94 4x4 locally for about $250.
You lost me, Larry:
A 4x4 Ranger rear end is identical to a 4x2 Ranger one*. The difference is the 4x4 has 2" blocks between the axle and the springs. In both cases, the axle is under the springs.
The Explorer rear end is set up for spring under axle.
Note 1: Explorer axle will be 3" wider than your stock axle (1-1/2"/side), which may/may not affect your sense of aesthetics.
Note 2: All Rangers & Explorers have the differential pinion offset 2" to the right. In Bronco IIs, its only 1-1/4".
Note 3: FWIW. the Axle page in the Tech Library says the 7.5 and 8.8 have the same axle center line to u-joint center line. What is missing from the tech page is the hypoid distance is only 1" on the 7.5". So, there would be a subtle change in driveshaft length - Pythagorean Theorem thing. Ford made the stock drive shaft short enough that it doesn't matter which axle they installed, one part number worked.
Note 4: Changing to spring under axle will lower your truck ~5" if you don't do anything else. DJM sells longer rear shackles that would reduce the lowering to only 3". Lowering also makes a subtle change in driveshaft length.
Note 5: Only real issue with installing Explorer differential is the re-connection of the parking brake cables - some people it just works, some, it needs a little 'creativity' to get tension. Using the Explorer u-bolts and mounting plates, the axle bolts right up to the springs, assuming you use 2 Explorer driver's side mounting plates, the shocks bolt up.
*Assuming same year range, same ratio, same brake drums, same open/trac-lok differential.