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  The Ford 8.8-inch rear axle is a Ford Explorer part that has been used in various vehicles besides the Explorer itself. It has been fitted in cars like the Mustang, Ford Rangers, Bronco II and others. This rear axle was first used on the 4.0-liter V6 Ford Ranger in 1990. Before the standard, the 7.5 inches was used on the non-4.0-liter V6 models. There are some differences in these 8.8-inch rears that are used in the Explorer and those that are used in the Ranger.
  
  

Specifications

• The Ford Ranger has a 28 spline while it was increased in the Explorer to a 31-spline axle shaft. Advantages are an increase in spline and the accompanying increase in strength of the shaft by pproximately 34 percent. The pinion diameter measures 1.626 inches while the ring gear diameter is 8.8 inches. The 8.8-inch can be a 28-spline or a 31-spline axle shaft and varies according to the particular model. The strength is also reinforced by the Beefier axle tube diameter of 3.25 inches. Running 2.75 inches from the brake housing is the 8.8 tubes neck down.
  
  

The Axle

• The axle uses C-clips to keep the shafts in position. The C-Clip slides over the end of the axle shaft on being inserted into the side gears of the differential. If there is an incident of a clip breaking and falling out of its groove in the axle, the axle will fall out of the axle tube. C-Clip eliminators are used for holding the axle in the axle tube.
  
  The axle comes from the manufacturer with 3.55, 3.73 or 4.10 gears of which all of them are a common ratio for the cars that need them. There are fitted with Trac-lok limited slip differential which are commonly known on the market as "lockers."
  
  

Model

• Models from 1990 to 1994 have 10-inch drums with the distance between wheel mounting surfaces being 59.5 inches wide with a wheel bolt pattern of 5 X 4.5 inches. Located on the face of the housing rather than on the differential cover is the gear oil filling plug. Models built after the 1995 models have 25-inch non-vented disc brakes. Diameter of the axle measures 32 inches and has a 25-inch axle tube diameter. The complete axle set including brakes weighs 175 lbs. When using 33/15.50/15 tires the ground clearance under the differential is 10 inches and the ground clearance under the axle tubes is 14 inches.