Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train Rear end candidate

In another forum on this site there was mention of the 95 - 98 Explorer rear ends being an 8.8 posi, with 3.73 (possible) gearing, with disk brakes. I'm curious as to the stated width of 59".
Would that be 59" from wheel mounting surface (WMS) to WMS?
What would the leaf spring mounts (center to center) measurement be.
Those have a standard 5 X 4.5" bolt pattern don't they?
Are they ALL posi?

Steve, would they not be a 5 x 5" bolt pattern? Sorry I am not real familiar with the Ford diffs but I would think that measurement is from WMS to WMS. That is how I would measure it.

I asked the question here, hopeing that the guys that were discussing it in the other (now dormant) thread would see this and respond.
The possibility of getting a posi rear end and disc brakes in a 59" wide rear end would overcome my objection to a Spicer type unit.

Explorers are 5 on 4.5" , just like most Mustangs.

The 8.8 is a good rear end, as for which ones have a limited slip, I'm not too sure. If you spent some time researching you may be able to come up with some sort of VIN decoder to figure out which ones had the LSD's. I would not rely on that solely, you may want to hand pick one at a wrecking yard, because the clutch packs may be shot. The spring perches could just be cut off. then you could setup your used axle with new perches to get the pinion angle and spring spacing perfect. It isn't that big of a deal, you could cut off the old perches, grind them down flush, then set the new perches (only a few dollars each, just measure the diameter of the axle tube, and the width of your leaf springs), get your pinion angle perfect with a protractor. Then just tighten down the U- bolts and weld it up (or use a free tow from your AAA card to take it to a welder).

Peter

This may give you the info you need:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

"This may give you the info you need:"

I'll say it did, that's a great resource.
Now I just need to check and see if they are 59" wide.
Thanks,
Steve