I am going to do a v8 conversion in my '87 raider and wondered if anyone has used a Ford 8.8 rear diff? I am searching the archives for which year wagoneer to look for that has the narrow front d44 as I think it would be the easiest sas for what i am doing and would have compatible gear ratios available to match about any thing I could get for the 8.8. It looks to me that the Mustang track width would be close to the Wagoneer too.

Also, because of this new direction for power swap all of my turbo stuff is listed for sale now.

Stock rear ought to be alright for a while. I'd concentrate on the front first. Then break the rear, and figure that out.

You have a bunch of options but what is your budget for axles? Are you willing to pay more if they have lockers?

Yes, I would like to start with the front diff. as this will likely make a difference as to how the v8 will go in, mounts, exhaust, etc. I would like to use the wagoneer d44 and leaf springs. I know it is in the archives, Im still looking.... as I recall it is a good write up....

And spence, I only wish mine was going to be like yours...WOW.... sadly, my budget dictates wagoneer d44 and ford 8.8 for now......

My immediate goal is to begin gathering parts so by late spring I can really dig into this project...any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated...I have been out of off-roading for several years and am just now beginning to feel the "fire" coming back.......feels GOOD !!!

I forget the exact years but some of the Exploders (Explorers) came with 8.8s, disc brakes, LSD's all in one compact package Ill see if I can find the years

8.8 has crap 5 lug pattern.

Just get a waggy rear.

I hate to have to ask...but what year wagoneer do I need to find for the narrow Dana44's. I had considered the Explorer 8.8 because of the disc/lsd combo but forgot about the bolt pattern.

Don't knpow myself. But if you search on "Wagoneer" and LandRaider user you should find other threads pretty fast.

Very good ... that is probably the "key" I was looking for .. thanks

I looked into the 8.8 a little, they seem to be plenty strong but ones we would want out of the exploders only came with 5X4.5 bolt patern. You could convert to 5X5.5 by getting Yukon axles and different rotors, and either use a ford D44 or a Waggy D44 with chevy spindles and ford rotors, to get 5X5.5 all arround.