Ok. I have a 99 Ranger 4x4. It has open 8.8 with 4:10 and drum brakes. I just picked up a D4 axle from a 97 Explorer that has disc brakes, limited slip, and I believe 3:73 gears. I want to know if I swap the axles will my current 4:10's work with the explorer axle and the explorer's limited slip? I was planning on holding off for the "right: axle but this one was given to me in exchange for about 2 hours of my labor. I already have a buddy to weld on some new perches and shock mounts. I have searched and found a kit online that sells the perches and am planning on attempting the swap. I found the write up on the swap. Does anyone have any personal tips? My truck currently has chevy shackles also. Im assuming the axle swap has no impact on ride hieght. Also what else should I take off the explorer? My ranger has 4 wheel ABS, I read somewhere that may play apart in the swap? I plan on buying a new master cylinder just to save the hassle of a possible issue. Will I need the proportoning valve for the rear? Everytime I search I come up with several different answers. So I would like the input from someone that has DONE the swap. Sorry but I dont want to risk issues to save some $ rather just do what I need to do the first time. So please let me know what is needed and the best parts to use. I preffer not to buy a cheap perch kit so if you know a quality set please let me know. Sorry for the rambling, just looking to find all input before dismantling my truck.
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the gears are the only thing out of your 28 spline 8.8 that will work in the 31 spline 8.8.......

 

I would also like some input on this.

I am in the same boat. I picked up an explorer axle and I cant seem to get a straight answer on the brakes. I do know that the pressure will be sent to the rear first. The ABS should take care of it. But what if the ABS goes out. My ABS light has been on as long as I can remember.

would a prop valve simply delay the front to match the rear, or is their a way to speed up the rear pressure? Master cylinder, ABS computer. These are all the things I am worried about.

 

2000 and earlier Rangers have a mechanical proportioning valve from the factory. On RABS trucks, it is integrated into the ABS; on 4WABS trucks, it is independent. If needed to correct front/rear brake imbalance, adjustable aftermarket prop valves are available from places like Summit or Jegs.

2001+ do not have a mechanical proportioning valve. All have 4WABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution. EBFD is F/R proportioning control done electronically by the ABS. If the ABS is disabled, the proportioning is too.

 

Hey, Bob, do you know if proportioning still works if the ABS light is on for missing front sensors? With the SAS my ABS no longer functions, but I still have the fuse in place. I wonder if proportioning still works. I'm guessing it doesn't.

 

I don't know for sure but I can try disconnecting one sometime. I do know that when the ABS module is powered down completely, there is no proportioning and I get lockup easily with my rear discs. If disconnecting a front sensor disables the EBFD, then it will be obvious with my brake setup.

 

How will I know what I need for my setup? I have a 99 4x4 with 4wabs. Can you tell me for sure what I will need or is it trial and error? Will the new abs sensors plug into the new axle or will it require ome modding? Everytime I search this half say I need this and that and the other half say I dont need a new master cylinder, prop valve, or abs sensors. I just want to know what to look for to make sure I dont end up in an accident or braking expensive parts.

 

Thanks. If you ever get a chance to try it out let me know maybe with a separate topic or a PM as I may not even remember this topic after a bit, lol.