Hey there just lookin to upgrade the ranger a lil bit more lol. But anyway what kinda things would I need to put the expo axle in. Not like tools or anything like that but specific brake lines or anything like that. What years should I be looking for? I wanna get a low mile open diff. so i can throw a locker in it later on in its life. Preferably a 31 spline. And another thing would I have to get an alignment after I put it in? Ive read the how to but im looking for more specific details like any custom work or anything like that.

 

idk, but I'd probably search first.

You'd find out you'd be looking for a 95-01 expo axle, all of them are disc brake and 31-spline. Most came with the traction-lok limited slip, denoted by an 'L' on the diff cover tag in between the gear ratio (i.e. 3L73 is 3.73 gear limited slip, 3 73 is 3.73 gear open diff, same for 4.10).
How would you align a solid axle, what is to adjust?
Brake lines basically bolt up, expo is to the side, ranger is middle from the frame but get expo soft line to frame and be fine.
Obvi you need to re-weld spring perches if you want stock height.
And obvi you'd need shock mounts welded on else you want to hack job it up and use two driver side spring plates.
Don't forget new u-bolts.

 

delete lol stupid question, do you think something like this is worth it? im no good at welding so where would you go to have something like that done? just any shop?

 

Yes but they are super hard to find which is why people do the expo, plus you get rear disc brakes. The 31spline Ranger is only in:
2002 FX4 Off Road
2003~2007 FX4 Level II (but NOT FX4 Off Road)
2008~2009 FX4 Off Road (only when equipped with the "XR8" option - Torsen diff/31-spline/4.10 ratio).

 

jus get some d80 and youll be set

 

why would using to driver side plates be hacking it up? so ford hacked up the explorer by using them from the factory? it makes it real easy if you use them. the stock ranger spring plates won't quite fit with the larger u-bolts the 31 spline axle requires.

here is one of mine. i'm lowered, but you can still use the lower spring plate without having to weld anything other than your spring perch to the axle. i paid $18 each for the plate at ford. i did one of each side, and relocated the passenger shock to the rear of the axle.

 

yeah but i dont wanna drop my truck at all but thx you very much for the pic and details, its gonna take me some time before i get the cash for this project but i wanna get all my facts straight

 

i posted the pic to show how the lower shocks mount, not so much how it lowers it.