Get an old junkyard 9"

Then buy a custom-width Curry housing with axles ($1400). Put the used pumpkin in, install any gearset ratio you want

Ok I'll check that route out. Originally I was hoping I could just get the custom axles from Curry and use everything else from an Explorer but my worry was whether the custom axles would fit inside a stock Explorer housing. I asked Curry twice and never heard back from them.

I shortened a Ford 8.8 out of a Mustang Fox body. I think I took five and a quarter inches off of each side and ordered axles from Moser.

So you were able to use everything from the original rear and just get the new custom axles fitted and it worked out? I'll check Moser out, thanks!

Quote:

The Mustang 8.8 with rear disc brakes and LSD is much easier to find. You could even buy two used ranger axles ($85 each) and shorten the housing to match

With the Ranger 8.8 ($250) youll only need to buy one axle. If you aren't narrowing your search to 3.73 there are many available
* one in Littlerock CA
* two in Bakersfield CA
* one in Arroyo Grand CA
* two in Baldwin Park CA
... and many more

http://www.car-part.com

Yes. Both side 5 1/4 ".
I use a 7" wheel with a 3.75" offset.
Check my build thread page 49, thread #488. That is where my 8.8 build start.
Axle lengths, page 50, thread #498.
Do it right and do both and not just a one side deal. Get 2 new axles.

Good info there: datsa73 build thread page post #488

Shortening one side is doing it right when (for example) the Ranger rear axle assembly has from the factory one long axle and one short axle. It's been discussed in the Main Forum before

http://www.racingjunk.com/Rear-Ends/1 ... s-Quick-Change-Rear-.html

$500 super bargain for alloy winters quickchange all setup for speedway

http://pitstopusa.com/i-5084410-frank ... g-pinion-w-posi-lock.html

http://www.racingjunk.com/Rear-Ends/182644555/NEW-FOR-2016.html#7

Thanks for the links D and thanks for the build thread link Datsa! This is helping out a lot!

One more question...I've been searching the wiki and I can't find any kind of spec sheet regarding the lengths for a stock H145 rear axle assembly. Is that available anywhere? Was hoping to just have something to reference instead of measuring everything and possibly getting something wrong if I order a custom rear end.

Diff Widths measure yours to double-check the measurements