Axle question, sorry for asking

[88workcar]

I am sure that I have seen it here before but for the last two days I can not find what I'm looking for. What axle ( 8.8 ) is the easiest to swap in. What does it come from? I have no concern about ratio up front, chances are that I will have to swap for what I am doing any way. It would be nice to get one with 31s in it but no issue if it doesn't. Thanks

 

[97RangerXLT]

there is a whole section in the tech library on axles. basically any 8.8 axle from any year Ranger is a direct swap. if you want 31 spline 8.8, you can get one out of an FX4 level 2 Ranger from I think 2003 and newer (not sure on that year... someone else can chime in) and that will be a direct swap, but with a little bit of work on relocating shock mounts (welding) any 8.8 out of an Explorer will have the 31 spline axle and the newer ones will have disc brakes

AJ

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Axle Tech - The Ranger Station

DISCLAIMER: Activities and vehicle modifications appearing or described at The Ranger Station and it’s pages may be potentially dangerous. We do not endorse any such activity for others or recommend it to any particular person – we simply describe the … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[RonD]

Yes, for 2001 Ranger, a 1993 to 2009 Ranger 8.8" would be direct bolt on swap and correct width
2010/11 would have disc brakes and would need e-brake changes, but still bolt in swap

You want a Limited Slip(L/S) 8.8" regardless, when changing rear ends

How to ID those seen here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/axle_codes.shtml

Its on the axle tag or if at a wrecking yard look on drivers door label, if its still there, lol

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Depending on build plans there are more lunchbox locker options for the open carrier and if you go selectable you won’t use the carrier anyway.

 

[88workcar]

Thanks guys, 2.3 Ecoboost and it's tranny. Will do mods from there. Want to swap axle, got new buckets, no more split bench. Need room for shifter and just need room. Will move tank to behind axle along with battery. Building a sleeper.

 

[pjtoledo]

Yes, for 2001 Ranger, a 1993 to 2009 Ranger 8.8" would be direct bolt on swap and correct width
2010/11 would have disc brakes and would need e-brake changes, but still bolt in swap

You want a Limited Slip(L/S) 8.8" regardless, when changing rear ends

How to ID those seen here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/axle_codes.shtml

Its on the axle tag or if at a wrecking yard look on drivers door label, if its still there, lol

the 2010/2011 axles do not use a speed/ABS sensor on the top of the center section.
there is not a hole there to install one, nor is there a tone ring in the carrier.
although they have the big 1.6" outer bearing the shaft is only 28 splines.

 

[RonD]

You are right............but

2010/11 have an ABS sensor on both rear wheels, you can use either one for regular ABS or 4WABS that only used one sensor on the rear axle, been done, it works, as far as no ABS light
If it was a 1998-2000 Ranger it would matter for speedometer, but its 2001 Ranger

Yes, all Rangers had 28-spline, but "easiest to swap in" was what I took as the main point


The ABS sensor on the differential was a bit of a joke as far as ABS if it had an OPEN differential, because one wheel can lock up and ABS doesn't see it, BOTH wheels need to lock up

 

[4x4junkie]

^^
That would leave one rear wheel completely unmonitored.
I seem to recall that even when one wheel locks, the ABS still triggers since there will be a sudden 50% drop in speed at the differential.

'98-'09 Rangers all use the ABS sensor for the speedometer input ('10, '11 have an electronic speed sensor on the trans/t-case).

Find a '93-'09 axle. They've always been quite plentiful in the yards around my area... Should not be hard to find.

 

[RonD]

In 2001 and up speedometer signal comes from pin 68 of PCM(computer), which uses the transmissions OSS(output shaft speed) sensor, it sends it out to speedo, cruise, ect.....
1995-2000 PCMs needed a speed signal and got it on pin 58, from gear driven VSS(95-97) or from GEM via rear ABS sensor(98-00)

My ABS allows 1 rear wheel to lock with no response, if I test it on a gravel road both rear wheels need to start locking before I feel the pedal pulse
Just my experience with 2 of the rear axle ABS Rangers I tested
But could be a fluke, but was never a big fan of this setup

 

[Lil Bronco]

Gotta think........

If I’m not mistaken, mine came out of a ‘96 explorer. Relocated the spring and shock mounts, pretty easy, it has 31 splines and disc brakes.

Also, it’s a posi, put the ford racing clutch pack in it, for $125.00 it’s effectively a locker.

 

[4x4junkie]

In 2001 and up speedometer signal comes from pin 68 of PCM(computer), which uses the transmissions OSS(output shaft speed) sensor, it sends it out to speedo, cruise, ect.....
1995-2000 PCMs needed a speed signal and got it on pin 58, from gear driven VSS(95-97) or from GEM via rear ABS sensor(98-00)

My ABS allows 1 rear wheel to lock with no response, if I test it on a gravel road both rear wheels need to start locking before I feel the pedal pulse
Just my experience with 2 of the rear axle ABS Rangers I tested
But could be a fluke, but was never a big fan of this setup

The RABS system certainly leaves something to be desired... I do recall though from times the brakes get grabby in damp cold weather that the pedal has pulsated when one side locks up.

I guess I need to research the '01-'09 speed signal then, since I've always read it's from the rear axle sensor.

Regardless, I still think having a sensor on one wheel (using a '10, '11 axle) is a bit hokey, and might lead to issues with too much reduction of braking if the wheel with the sensor is on a looser surface that the wheel on good ground.