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Axle sizes, options, and widths

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199K views 231 replies 192 participants last post by  barobertolittlea6367  
#1 · (Edited)
Ok so I am in search of a junkyard upgrade for my Foxbody 28 spline 7.5. I see no point in upgrading to an 8.8 unless I also go 31 spline. The stock Focus rear suspension appears to be around 61.75" WMS to WMS from what I can tell. Which is wider than I had originally thought.

So I wanted to compile a list of vehicles, options, and widths. This is what I have.

83-92 Ranger - 28 spline, 7.5 and 8.8, 56.5"
93-09 Ranger - 28 spline, 7.5 and 8.8, 58.5"
FX4 Ranger - 31 spline, 8.8, 58.5"
91+ Explorer - 31 spline, 8.8, 59.5"
79-93 Mustang - 28 spline, 7.5 and 8.8, 57"
94-98 Mustang - 28 spline, 7.5 and 8.8, 58.5"
99+ Mustang - 59.875"
>05 Crown Vic - 28 spline, 8.8, 65.5" (or 62.5", conflicting info)
05+ Crown Vic - 31 spline, 8.8, 65.5"


Explorer 31 spline axle shaft lengths - 30.5" Driver, 27.625" Passenger (or 30.625" and 27.75", I am getting different info)
Ranger 31 spline - 30.25" and 27.25"
79-93 Mustang 8.8 - 29 3/16"
1994-1998 8.8 - 29 31/32"
1999-2004 8.8 - 30 11/16"
87-88 Turbo Coupe 8.8 - 30"
93 Cobra 8.8 - 30"
87-92 Lincoln Mark VII 8.8 - 30.5"

31 spline bearing size - 1.622 in. bore, 2.576 in. o.d., 1.550 in. width
28 spline bearing size - 1.399 in. bore, 2.295 in. o.d., 1.211 in. width


Please post more info if you have it. Cougar, Thunderbird, Mark series, Towncar, Continental.....
 
#31 ·
I have found a couple that are close. Had one that might work, but I would need to find a bushing to put it in.
 
#32 ·
#34 ·
I've seen several while doing research for my swap. No thanks, I'll stick with a solid axle. I've never been a fan of CVs.
 
#36 ·
Did some measuring today.

31 spline bearing area


31 spline non-bearing area


28 spline bearing area


28 spline housing
 
#37 ·
Also took a second look at the 97+ 8.8 brakes. The rotors are bigger making 15s not fit, but it appears that the brake pad surface area and calipers are the same size as the Explorer so no benefit there. Only plus side is the hubs are larger so regular full size shafts will fit.
 
#39 ·
Just talked to the lead journeyman in our tool room at work. Asked him if he would show me how to use the lathe. He said just bring him what I had and he would take care of whatever I needed. Looks like I am making another trip to Glisson's this week and piecing together my axle. Then bringing the shafts in to work and turning down the bearing area to fit the 28 spline housing.
 
#41 ·
I know how to use it. Ive watched them do it 1000 times. I'll just let him do it so I don't screw it up. Just because I know how it operates doesn't mean I can get the hang of it on the first go.

I would like to learn though. Then maybe make some cash on the side selling a few.
 
#42 ·
No axle again. After doing even more research, the only axles I can use are the Mustang, Mark VII, and 88 and older Tbird/Cougar. The Town Car uses the 4 link setup, but the upper arms have a different angle. Not sure if it can be made to work. Also the housing seems to be 1-2" wider than the Mustang from my sloppy measurements.

Mustang (7.5 but same arms as 8.8)


Town Car


I have almost everything I need stashed against the wall. As soon as I find the right housing I will grab it all. The price for a complete axle is much cheaper than buying the parts separate.

2 driver side Explorer shafts, 2008 Crown Vic brakes (with almost brand new pads) and vented rotors, also the L/S carrier (31 spline for my F150) from the same Crown Vic. All I need is some 4.10s and the housing.
 
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