[991]

8.8\" ratio Q\'s

really simple couple of tech question on the 8.8" diffs here.
1) what ratios are common on explorers, and which ratios relate to which models ( eg: do autos use, say 3.54's, manuals 4.10's, ang anything with 'towing' or 'off-road' packages 4.30's, etc)
2) does anyone know what the common ratios are on the Aerostar vans with 8.8" rear ends? ( and yes, I know that not all Aerostars use the 8.8")

I'm in the middle of doing an emergency axle swap under the Niva ( front end blew up, and I can no longer get spare parts - kinda limping along right now, hopign it doesn blow totally before I can get the new axle set up!!) Once I get the front end in, I'll be swapping an 8.8" under the back to match the new D30 front for wheel lug circle, and width. Any info on the ratios would be appreciated, especially crossover info on the vans, as Aerostars are common in the local you pull it yard, but Explorers can be hard to find.

thanks
chris

 

[WD40]

Re: 8.8\" ratio Q\'s

This forum doesn't get a whole lot of traffic, but I did a little checking for ya.

Aerostar axle codes.
Exploder axle codes

Hope that helps.

 

[991]

Re: 8.8\" ratio Q\'s

yup, that helps tons ; GRACIAS.

chris

 

[WD40]

Re: 8.8\" ratio Q\'s

Another site to check for identification.
It's from Havack's Broncodata site.

 

[991]

Re: 8.8\" ratio Q\'s

yowzah - ok, I've got the codes printed out - the local you-pull-it generally has a whole lot of Aerostars, a handful of rangers, and almost no Bronco's, or bronco 2's...ergo, my questions about Aerostars.

I've looked across those sites, and one thing I didnt see was any mention of rear disk brakes, or converting the drum equipped axles to disks - any chance you've got a link to a writeup on what parts are required?? I have my own idea about what I 'may' do for a 4 wheel disks setup, but I'd like to see what others have done first.

chris

 

[WD40]

Re: 8.8\" ratio Q\'s

I have my own idea about what I 'may' do for a 4 wheel disks setup, but I'd like to see what others have done first.
Unfortunately, I'm not able to help with that question.
But, if you pop over to the Full Size Bronco/Truck Forum, and do a search for "rear disk conversion", or "rear disk", or.....
I think you'll find some information.
No ones done the conversion yet, but there's certainly been a lot of discussion and ideas thrown around lately.

The search function still isn't working, (as I'm sure you know.

)
However, if you use the search button on the lower right hand corner of the initial forum contents page, it'll work.
Good luck!

 

[Steve83]

Re: 8.8\" ratio Q\'s

You can find Mustang/TownCar/CrownVic/GrandMarquis/Explorer/Expedition/new F-Series 8.8s with discs, but there's no good way to put them on the pre-97 1/2-ton axles.

 

[991]

Re: 8.8\" ratio Q\'s

ok, I'll bite -'why is there no good way to put them on a pre 97 1/2 ton axle?'

the setup I'd been thinking of was to use Mercedes 10.75" x 12.6mm solid rotors, weld nubs onto the axle to mount the benz fixed calipers ( opposed pistons, & very low profile to fit inside the factory benz 14" rims) . I'd planned to cut the ford backing plates down as simple bearing/seal carriers, plus I believe they function as axle retainers on the 8.8". the Benz rotors are simple slip ons - you could drill & tap a couple of mount holes into the hub if you wanted, but its not actually necessary.

and before anyone does a 'wtf- BENZ??' thing A) i have the rest of the car left over from my diesel conversion, so for me, at least, all the parts are free b) the brakes are actually made by girling, and are dead easy to get parts for.

chris

 

[Steve83]

Re: 8.8\" ratio Q\'s

Weeeeeeeelllll...

The ones that fit inside 15" rims have the wrong lug spacing (5-on-5) and the wrong axle tube size, and there are at least 3 layouts for the 4 bolts that mount the brakes on the ends of the axle tubes.

The later ones that fit the F-150 8.8" axle tube won't fit inside a 15" rim and ALSO have the wrong lug spacing (the new metric layout). Some also have a different mounting pattern.

ALL of them use an internal drum e-brake that I don't like, and that's why the mounting can't be changed - it would eliminate the e-brake. Even if you did that, you'd have to go to 16" rims, which would mean redrilling your front hubs for the new spacing, and every set of front rotors you bought would have to be drilled, also.

 

[991]

Re: 8.8\" ratio Q\'s

geesh - sounds like my 'benz' idea is actually easier than an OE conversion!!

2 quick points here:
1) I know the benz pattern matches the 5 on 4.5 Ford patern, 'Cause I've tried benz wheels on the Ford & Jeep hubs before. depending on how thick the Ford rotors are, you could also use these calipers w/ other slip on rotors to match any wheel lug pattern.
2) earlier Benz rear disk'are full11" solids, and use a cable e-brake that attaches directly to the caliper, so you wouldnt lose the e-brake functionality. ( typical benz, its self adjsuting as the pads wear, too)

I'm actually going to a shaft brake ( cable operated motorcycle front disk on the t-case output), so I'm not worried about whats on the wheels - but I'll take pics as I do mine - just in case you guys get curious

chris