Swap the entire rear assembly from an Explorer?
#1
Swap the entire rear assembly from an Explorer?
Rear discs, explorer leaf springs and a stronger rear end all on my projects list. Could I just pull the whole thing, axle with springs attached, out of an Explorer and bolt them into my Ranger? Would the taller spring arch and some lift shackles correct for the spring under axle and keep the ride height about the same?
I have no space for welding or heavy projects right now so this would be the only way I could pull it off. I'm just trying to figure out if there are any gotchas before I start dropping money at the junkyard.
Sorry if this has been covered, I did search for it.
I have no space for welding or heavy projects right now so this would be the only way I could pull it off. I'm just trying to figure out if there are any gotchas before I start dropping money at the junkyard.
Sorry if this has been covered, I did search for it.
#2
#3
There is a how-to on swapping to Explorer springs, so the length must be the same or close to it. But on that thread and others, nobody seems to agree on how much lift they give. I'm thinking I would need at least 6 inches to make up for the axle flip, hopefully someone has some better measurements.
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That is what I'm trying to avoid. Any idea what the ride height would be with out flipping it? I'm hoping the taller springs plus lift shackles will keep it about the same.
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#8
Best bet is to have a shop weld new perches on it while retaining the stock Ranger springs.
Expo leafs on a Ranger lift the Ranger approx 2". This leaves a 3" gap between what you're talking about wanting to do. You won't make that up with shackles...at best you'll make up half that. Flip the perches and do it right.
Something to ask yourself......what exactly are you trying to accomplish with installing a Explorer axle in the truck? If you're not turning 35's or greater, the better strength isn't of any advantage to a 28 spline 8.8" to you. If you're doing it for the brakes, that's just a stupid reason. Click here for a BETTER setup of doing discs to a stock Ranger axle....and the e-brake isn't a complete ***** to work with or to make work: How-To: Rear Disc Brake Conversion on Stock 28-Spline Ranger Rear-End
#10
A shackle and an AAL would get close to stock ride height and you would ditch a block. Depending on what you do SUA axle can perform better in certain situations. You could also get away with making your own shock mounts on the ranger side. That would require a drill and new bolts, but you would only be in single shear unlesss you weld in a full "mount" ranger side.
As for the strength difference 31 spline, thicker tubes, bigger bearings, higher GAWR, disk brakes overall better axle and worth the swap even to a stock truck not just 35" and taller tires.
As for the strength difference 31 spline, thicker tubes, bigger bearings, higher GAWR, disk brakes overall better axle and worth the swap even to a stock truck not just 35" and taller tires.
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The 2002 FX4 and 2003+ FX4 level II's are 31 spline.
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