1996 Explorer Auto To Manual Hub Swap
 

I am going to be doing a manual hub swap on a 96 Explorer. I already got a new front axle thats going in it without that ghey disconnect in the axle. I need to know what i need to get for the spindles, if i need 98-00 ranger spindles or if i can make these work. and i dont know if i can reuse the cv axles or if i gotta get new ones. please let me know

You can use the existing knuckles. Only things that have to be changed are the CVs and the wheel bearing assemblies.


BTW what disconnect in the axle are you speaking of?

on the 96 explorer, they have a disconnect on the passenger side axle tube. only a few years had it. its retarded

seems that the hubs and bearings are the same. the only thing that disconnects is the inner axle shaft on the passenger side.

you could just plug the vacuum line and somehow weld the shafts together.

i have no experience with this axle so i dont know if that is possible.

i think if you want a "live" axle all you need is a newer front axle and a right CV shaft?

I dont want live axle. i am going to put avm hubs on it. i figure if i get 98-00 JY spindles and cv's i can make it work with the new axle i already have

how are you going to get vacuum to the new hubs? VIA the disconnect solenoid ?

like i said i know nothing about that system, and personally wouldn't want it.

He doesn't want the vacuum system to function, he wants the manual AVM hubs.


You don't need new knuckles. You need the CV shafts and the wheel bearing units from a 98-00 Ranger. Nothing more.

waste of money to me, the transfer case in 4x2 dose not transfer power to the front axle so a disconnect of any kind is unnecessary thus a live axle is just fine.

I agree. I do not have the disconnect in my axel and I have done the 4406 swap. It runs just fine.

The front axle is going to have a mini spool or something of the sort in it so it will be nice to be able to unlock the hubs, or just one hub. Plus, for foel economy reasons, have you ever tried to turn the tire on an explorer vs. the tire on a PVH ranger? the ranger is far easier with far less drag

my truck has a live axle. i have no problems turning the steering wheel

I have a lunchbox locker in my live axle, turns just fine.....no different from what it was before.

Mark, I meant spin one of the front wheels by hand and feel the drag

Mine is a slight bit easier to spin than my mustang and my Lincoln LS but they don't have axels in the front.

I think for this, work involved+ money required >fuel econemy you will realize

Your Explorer is easier to spin than your LS and your Mustang?

I spin the ranger and get about a full revolution out of it. The Explorer, i get a 1/4-1/2 turn MAX