FD Explorer 8.8 Diff Kit

[quinns]

Got it all mounted in today. This baby fits TIGHT but perfect! There's a small bracket on the drivers side I had to remove or one of the tubes hits it pretty minor. Had to slightly bend the bracket that the brake line T mounts to also minor.



Have had some PM's wondering about exhaust fitment. This should give guys an idea.

[jeffp5]

Is the thickness of the mounting ears the only difference between the cobra and explorer diffs? Are they in the same location? I really like this kit, but I already have a cobra diff. Was wondering if I could use it with some spacers between the mounting ear and ronin frame.

[frijolee]

Is the thickness of the mounting ears the only difference between the cobra and explorer diffs? Are they in the same location? I really like this kit, but I already have a cobra diff. Was wondering if I could use it with some spacers between the mounting ear and ronin frame.

There were a bunch of comparison shots starting back in post 28 (be warned that we a very different early concept of the kit).  Short version...  You might be able to make it work with some serious effort but the Cobra diff housing is inherently weaker and yet inherently more valuable to certain folks who need that version.  My 0.02.  Sell, it and buy and Explorer.

[UH-60Pilot]

What is the lead time on this kit? I'm picking up an extra sub frame this weekend.

[pricenc]

how much power will the included axles take?

[frijolee]

What is the lead time on this kit? I'm picking up an extra sub frame this weekend.

We have one kit presently left in stock with production started on the next batch.  That's about 3-4 weeks out.

how much power will the included axles take?

We don't know actually know as we've never broken one and strength is highly related to geometry and usage.  The highest HP car thus far is Jordan Innovations who's somewhere around 1k whp in a road race setup.  No issues yet, but we're all curious whether it'll hold.  Axles do come with a lifetime warrantee from our manufacture.  Break one and they send us another no questions asked.  Break another and we get a refund and they want to know more about your application.

Best guess in a drag setup, this should be good for a drag car touching the 9s at 600+ rwhp. Your experience may vary.  We can sell these w/o axles if you prefer to run the DSS pro series halfshafts (but those are $2k or so).

[wickedrx7]

Dumb question, Is there any reason to keep the two stock bolt in corner braces?  I assume this will add a ton of rigidity to the front of the stock subframe, so they are no necessary? Thoughts?

[quinns]

I did bolt mine back in just because there was no reason not to. The rigidity added by the welded in part of the mount adds more than anything. Its amazing how much stiffer the subframe "felt" after welding the front support in. It no longer felt like a cheap mass produced piece of stamped steel.

[Jordan Innovations]

So exciting news this afternoon - not only did our Ronin Speedworks Explorer 8.8 setup perform beautifully at the track a few weekends ago, but it's going to get even better.



OS Giken is a couple weeks away from bringing in their 28- and 31-spline 8.8 1.5 and 2 way diffs! 

Our Ford Racing 2-way works great on straight-line stuff, but coming out of corners could certainly be better. 


We've tried switching from a 80w synthetic to a 70w conventional gear oil, and with and without friction modifier, and still can't get an ideal pull on corner exit (Hankook Ventus TD 295/30/18's with quite a bit of rear aero) - the inner tire wants to spin.  There are a couple other diffs out there for the 8.8 but our experience with Vipers, Corvettes, and Camaros says the OS Giken will be head and shoulders better (plus it's tunable!)

I'd love to hit the track one of these Thursdays and try and break this diff setup (or wheelstand the FD), but either way, I'll try and keep an eye on this thread to provide answers and updates as we continue to beat on it

[quinns]

The only way to truly test it is some sticky drag slicks on the back and the front of that rx7 six feet off the ground 

[Jordan Innovations]

The only way to truly test it is some sticky drag slicks on the back and the front of that rx7 six feet off the ground 

I'm terrified of that haha, but yeah, we'll put a real tire on it at some point.

[Gunnytron]

Would you be able to supply the welded x-frame on it's own?

My thinking is that I can use the Samberg batwings for the rear mount and then get some front mount brackets custom made and welded to the x-frame to suit the Cobra diff.

What do you think?

[V8-rx7]

I don't think that would work because Samberg has the diff further forward than we do. So the front of the diff around the ring gear is most likely going to come into contact with the tube that gets welded in the subframe. Why not just get an explorer diff and sell the cobra diff to recoup some money? 

[Gunnytron]

I don't think that would work because Samberg has the diff further forward than we do. So the front of the diff around the ring gear is most likely going to come into contact with the tube that gets welded in the subframe. Why not just get an explorer diff and sell the cobra diff to recoup some money?

Would be nice to have some measurements from the subframe to the front mount holes.

In terms of selling my Cobra diff, I can't see it being cost effective. I have the driveshafts and propshaft already and on top of that I am in the UK so shipping an explorer diff over is expensive. I am not sure on demand for the cobra diff here either. It may be hard to shift.

[MyBoyBlue]

I will certainly be getting this from you guys once I have the budget for an 8.8 rear