Originally Posted by cyrnel

Agreed on the Ford 9. Also, there are many versions to contend with. It may be overkill unless you have big ideas for the engine. Gears a great to setup though with the 3rd member out & easy on the bench and screws vs. shims.

guyondacouch, I think you mean the Ford 8.8. It's a good medium-duty swap for offroading. 95-2000 explorers have it stock with discs and 31 spline axles, so it's readily available. The only problem might be the perch positions, which I cut off for jeeps anyway. WMS width is 60". Gears may be 3.55, 3.73, or 4.10. LSD is stock with 3.73 and 4.10. Bolt pattern is 5 on 4.5 which means new wheels or adapters for a chevy.

There are other versions of the 8.8 available but they are often wider, use 28 spline, or goofy gearing.