Did i jump the gun?

[arched_spark94]

Recently lifted my 97 super cab and put 33x10.5s on it, started having rear end issues, so set out to find an 8.8 to rebuild and swap into it. Well found an 8.8 out of a wrecked 2011, and now I'm starting to second guess myself if it's possible to do. Anything is possible obviously but is it going to be as simple as I originally thought?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Well it has to be the same gear ratio as the front.

The 2011 will have disc brakes... perhaps you will need some new brake lines.

The 97 has a single speed sensor on the differ vs the 2011 which has individual speed sensors at each wheel. Not exactly sure how you will get around that and keep your RABS system functional.

I'm also not sure if the pinion drive flange is the same.

 

[arched_spark94]

We're in a 2wd so no worries about front gear matching, as far as functional RABS I've been having issues for a long time with it and have been contemplating doing away with it anyway. Plan on putting 31 splines, 5.13s, and a Detroit locker or something of the likes

 

[Uncle Gump]

I read lifted and 33's... I assumed 4WD.

Not all 8.8's have 31 splines. The housing are different as well as the flanges too.

 

[rubydist]

iirc, all of the 2010 and 2011 Rangers had 28 spline axles. The only ones that had 31 splines were the torsen diff versions, which ended in 2009 on the Ranger. And with the disk brakes you will need a different brake hose to connect to the caliper.

 

[arched_spark94]

This is the unit I picked up the other day

 

[scotts90ranger]

From everything I've heard the 31 spline axles were only on FX4 level 2 Rangers... but that said depending on your use and abuse even with 5.13 gears it should be fine but you'll need the 28 spline locker, can't just put in bigger shafts...

Most people just jump to the '95-01 Explorer axles since they are 31 spline and disc brake, you do have to weld on spring perches and shock mounts in most applications though...

 

[rubydist]

That looks like a 28 spline axle since the axle tubes do not have a swell near the outside ends like the 31 spline ones do.

 

[sgtsandman]

That looks like a 28 spline axle since the axle tubes do not have a swell near the outside ends like the 31 spline ones do.

The axle he picked up is indeed a 28 spline. The 2010 & 2011 Ranger 8.8’s are their own kind of animal. They have bigger axle tubes and bearings but kept the 28 spline axle shafts. I believe the axle is also a little wider because of the disc brakes.

It will be interesting to see if the OP can make it work.

 

[pjtoledo]

the axle & axles are narrower. the thicker hat section of the disk makes up for the difference so the wheel mounting surfaces are the same.
the tubes are bigger at the wheel bearings. they do taper down, but are still bigger than pre 2010 28 spline tubes.

 

[don4331]

I can't remember...does a '97 need the tone ring in the axle for the speedometer? (I know '98-09s do, but I don't work on pre-'98 as often). '10-11 axles don't have hole drilled for the sensor or tone ring (They have sensors at each wheel for the stability control.)

 

[scotts90ranger]

No, on a '97 there's a speed sensor in the transmission, the tone ring is just for the RABS I believe.