Hello. I am thinking of doing an 8.8 swap in my 72 simply because of availibility and popularity of the axle. I can fabricate and weld just fine so that wont be an issue, I know this has been done before, but I have a few questions. What is the best thing to get an axle out of? I need to know what ford has an 8.8 with a wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface measurement that is very close to mine. An explorer axle would benice since it has dist brakes and 31 spline axles, but I beleive it is much narrower. What all will I need to do the swap?

 

most f-150 and bronco's have 8.8 rearends

i think the 8.8 in my bronco has a 3.55 gear in it ( not 100% though)

 

Yes the expolder rear end is only good for the 64-66 cars why not just buy a 9 inch housing and build it up id use a 9 inch or dana 60 over any other axle out there.

 

i got one if u like.

 

I'm getting an 8.8 for 72 also out of an 87 lincoln continental with a 302 HO and AOD in it all for a good price. I was told the 8.8's in them fit the 72s really well except they are about an inch longer from both ends (not entirely sure of the true length of it but it's close)but you can fix that by just getting wheels with a bigger backspacing. I should be getting it within the month if things go like I want/plan them to, i could let you know the measurements and see how it'll fit up if you'd like.

 

everyone thinks they are 'too long' and all that jazz. personally i wouldn't get one from an exploder because of the offset angle. i got mine out of a 89 GT for my 67 and cut nothing, and nothing was too long - fits perfectly, so i doubt it'd be too wide for a 1972 tank.