Alternate Rear Axles

I'm thinking of going with a 8.8 out of 96-00 explorer. I have the usual peanut 4.00 in my 65 truck and would like something a little under 3.5. Has anyone tried it? I can pick one up cheap ~$110 but it's going to require redoing the brakes because it only comes with disc brakes and 1/2" wheel spacers on each side because it's an inch narrower. Another option is a Dana 35, but I haven't done much research on them other than they seem like they'll be less work - drum brakes and exact width. Anyone have any suggestions or horror stories? Thanks!

I haven't done it, but have done some research. Below are some links that might have some information for you.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.html

http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/rear-end-articles/495110-31-spline-explorer-axle-swap.html

http://www.hemmings.com/partslocator/axles.html

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_ford_8_8_rear_end/viewall.html

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/classic-tech/200173-8-8-mustang.html#1749485

http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/rear-end-articles/495110-31-spline-explorer-axle-swap-print.html

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/88ss-31.html

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=247377

The early 90's explorer 8.8s have drum brakes, and still have 31 spline axles and limited slip diffs....

Is there a reason you simply don't use the 63 to 67 Ford Econoline 9" rear axle???   It is a direct bolt in, correct everything.  Besides being the strongest and a simple bolt in, it is stronger, you can change gearing in an hour to whatever suits you, and it has the sought after 2 1/2" rear shoes.
 The 8.8 is a very strong choice also and nothing wrong with it either, but the amount of hassles and or labor, etc,, are surely worth some kind of dollar value in terms of time or work versus a bolt in unit. Yes,, I do sell them so a jadded in mine,, LOL... but I do believe strongly in them and have quite a few here.
  Freight is surely too high from here to there, however Tim in Kentucky may have one for you.  I am guessing by your picture that you have a 65 five window pickup???  and as you are saying 4:00 gearing I am thinking you have the 170 motor?  Perhaps a 200???
  Its been my experience that a STRONG 170 or a 200 works very nicely with 3:25's as a little easier at higher speeds than the 3:50's.  The 3:50's much better for climbing hills, light loads or blowing off a Corvette,,,(sleeper)...
  Personally, I also like any disc brake over a drum brake,, besides no brake fade, and cheap brake jobs,,  there is no guessing which drum will lock up in the rain??   I hate sudden turns,,,
Vic



  vic