Tools needed?

[project65stang]

Hi guys iam planning a trip to my local Pick and Pull to get an 8.8 out of an Explorer, and i have some Q's since i don't want to bring my whole toolbox what will i need to get one out? and what vin would offer the best gear ratio? Thanks

[ScottsGT]

I don't think the VIN is going to tell you gearing. Familiarize yourself with the axle codes and read the door jamb tag.
Tools? Prepare to take both metric and SAE since Ford has a habit of mixing things up. And the driveshaft might be bolted on using 12 point sockets too, like my '95 GT is.
But I'd carry nothing less than both SAE and metric sockets and wrenches, complete sets. Maybe a hammer and a punch to drive some bolts through the frame rails.

[bartl]

Rent a small cutting torch outfit or bring a cordless sawzall. Makes fast work of it.

[GypsyR]

13mm, 15mm, and 18mm sockets and wrenches. Also a couple of 12 point 12mm sockets and wrenches for the driveshaft bolts. These bolts have Loctite on them from the factory and are tough. I have broken wrenches and cracked sockets on those things. No room for 1/2" drive sockets on them though. YOu will want a deep 18mm socket and 1/2" breaker bar to get the U-bolts off with, otherwise 3/8" socket stuff will do. And 18mm ratchet wrench is nice to take the swaybar end links loose but you can use a socket or leave it hanging on the truck.
The heaviest wire cutters you have. Some old vice-grips have wire cutters built in. Use them to cut the parking brake cable up towards the front. That way you can easily take the rear half of the cables loose from the truck in case you need them. Also take loose the flexible part of the brake hose and cut the metal line. When doing so you can crimp the metal line so as to not dribble brake fluid all the wall home.
A 21mm socket and 1/2" drive breaker bar and ratchet to take loose the rear spring shackles. When you drop the rear of the springs you can then just roll the rear end out from unde rthe truck instead of trying to wrestle out out from the side.
It probably wont have wheels on it but it might. Lug size is 19mm, a four way lug wrench would be nice. A socket, extension and your 1/2" breaker bar is a decent substitute.
A can of PB Blaster spray is nice, those U-bolts can be rusty and the threads are long.
That should about do it. If you need any standard wrenches you are working on the wrong vehicle. All metric.

[Mako]

On the gear ratio question if it is a solid rear axle with rear discs, then it was a factory 3.73, 31 spline, limited slip. If it is rear drum, I believe the options open up a bit.
Mine came out of a 97 with disc and I am pretty sure it was the same til 99 at least. I believe in 96 it was an either or scenario.

[ozarks06]

There is a tag on one of the cover bolts with rear end ratio. It will say 3L73 if it is 3.73 trac log, 3L31 if 3.31 trac lock etc. No L no trac lock. The other numbers are year of manufacture and some other stuff.

[v8only]

they came with all kinds of different gear ratio's, open or trak lok. There are a bunch of axle code guides on the net, just print it out and bring it with you

[project65stang]

Wow GypsyR that is one hell of a write up, thanks a ton..maybe ill go to a different yard and pay alittle more for them to take it out lol.

So as far as the axle code goes, iam just looking for an "L" in it.

[v8only]

Explorer 43 Open 3200 3.08
41 Open 3200 3.27
42 Open 4.10
46 Open 3.73
45 Open 3200 3.55
D4 Limited Slip 3200 3.73
D2 Limited Slip 4.10
L73 Limited Slip 3.73

[j persons]

If you bring a propane torch you can heat the companion flange to break the locktite on the drive shaft bolts. Just be careful of the gas tank and lines..

[JohnnyK]

Sawzall.. NOTHING ever comes out as it should at a junkyard.