Axle Question

[flash2pablo]

I am contemplating buying a ford 8.8.
1st Question
What is a complete 8.8 worth stock with 3.73 gears and disc brakes?

I do not know if it has LSD or not.

I can get a 97 Explorer with V8 for pretty cheap, because the transmission just started to slip in 2nd gear.
I am trying to figure out whether it is worth buying the explorer and taking the axle and selling the rest.

I would need to change the perch mounts, the gears to 4.56 and if there is no LSD putting some type of locker in it.

Any help is appreciated.

[Hokie98zj]

i got mine for about 150 before i decided on chris' axles.just find one at a local yard.the one i had came with 4.10 gears in it.you could do that and just regear the front if you are trying to save money.

[TrailReadyMJ]

I got mine for $120 in a yard in Hillsville, but had to pull it myself, otherwise it would have been $200. I priced several local junkyards, and they sold for $250-$300.
The one I got was 3.55s and open, but I planned on gears from the start so it wasn't an issue. I also wanted an open carrier so I could get an Aussie for it. I have an LSD for a 31 spline 8.8, but after looking at it, it needed a rebuild. I was going to stick it in until I got a locker, but it just wasn't worth it.