So in my 2001 Ford Ranger Edge I have a Ford 8.8/Open Differential with 28 Spline Axles and I want to swap it out for a locking differential but want to keep the 28 spline axles because I don't want to have to go through the hassle of changing out axles and bearings and hubs and such. I basically just want to swap my open diff for a locking diff and thats if. Is there anybody that knows about swapping diff's in a Ford 8.8 rear end and keeping their 28 spline axles? and where to get a locking diff with 28 splines?

 

I would hit the internet to see who sells a kit to lock the Differential.
Usually there are two pieces that fit in between the gears that prevent them from turning.
That works far better than welding the gears.

The pieces can also be removed if a person decides to sell the vehicle one day without the locked rear
and sometimes a person can use the locking pieces on their next vehicle.
The pieces being installed allow everything else to remain stock including the axles.

You might drop by Gator Ford at exit 10 of I-4 and ask their parts counter guy
if Ford has an off-road catalog or a performance catalog for your truck.