Here is the progress I made today, although it's not much. Dang neighbors kept coming by to see what in the heck I've been doing with all my parts and noise.

Take a look at the front links I was discussing earlier. I'm thinking of drilling holes in the frame to mount those link brackets.

Explorer leaf's bolted up to the frame:


Here's a pretty cool view of both the stock 7.5 axle and the Explorer's 8.8 leafs.


Check out the difference between the Explorer's shackle and the Ranger's. It came out 5-1/4 for the Ranger, and 6-1/4 for the Exploder.



Here's the front links and axle shock I was mentioning earlier...

 

are you going rear explorer axle with disk brakes too? Sorry if i didnt catch on!

 

Yes...I'm putting the Explorer's rear under my truck.

It has:

• 8.8" housing
• Limited Slip Differential
• Disc Brakes

 

I also spent a chunk of change today getting the rear brakes replaced. I got new slotted rotors, pads, caliper bolts, shims, and boots, and some black paint for the axle and diff when I get done cleaning it up.

 

nice man your coming along. are you keeping it spring under?

 

HECKLE NO! I rolled that axle underneath those springs and started drawing it out. Tomorrow I'll show you what I come up with. It's going to sit the quite a bit higher than stock, even with the Ranger stock hangers. (at 5-1/4 inches long)

 

you want to get rid of those axle shock brackets (one off the axle and one off the frame) and the bolts to bolt it to the axle? i have a need for them if you do....

 

BTW: looks like good progress......

since you are a street truck, i would keep it spring under axle...it will give you a little drop...

 

Not To HIjack - But is this basically the easiest way to get disc on the rears of our trucks? LOL Probably will not work on a Mazda though

 

Nice. What does the explorer springs do for you?

 

yes it is the easiest way to get disc on a Ranger.....yes an Explorer axle will bolt into your truck.....you will ofcourse have to do the same mods someone with a Ranger would have to do...

 

I can't help but get the impression you guys like my rear end?

LOL

Here's my idea...if I can get some leaf perches for the axle to separate it slightly, it will work.

 

The Explorer springs are quad leafs, while the Ranger's are only tri leafs.

With the addition of the extra shock and the two links, it will be much more stable...along with having better traction due to the LS.

 

Gotcha I figured something to that affect but thought I would ask.

 

No that's a really good question, and I will take some comparison shots tomorrow of the two different leafs like I did with the shackles....

 

definitely coming along.... looks good bro

 

The parking brake cable was the biggest pain in the butt I have ever dealt with. I finally got it out after prying and prying and banging.

Does anyone know where I can get a set of leaf spring "stands" to go between the shock mounting plate and axle?

 

i got my spring perches here. im sure someone has them cheaper but these are really nice.

http://www.bluetorchfab.com/shop/pro...roducts_id=423

 

Thanks a lot man. I gotta confirm those measurements, before I order them.

$40 isn't bad for perches. However, I may search the junkyards first. Most perches are welded to the axle in factory conditions, correct? I'm hoping I can find some that aren't attached.

 

they are all welded.

your axle tube is 3.25" in diameter and the springs are 2.5" wide. those are the same perches i have to go on my 31 spline.

 

Is that one jack I see holding up the rear of the truck?

 

Once you take the bed off the rear of the truck is really light. but still he could use some jack stands.

 

Yes that was a temporary lift to adjust the jack stands. I wouldn't dare crawl under that thing while it was on that wheel/jack. Especially without the rear bolted up, as it would surely crush me.

And the rear of the truck is very light now. I can lift it up off the jackstands from the bumper.

 

Well I got the axle bolted up in the stock manner, with the spring under the axle. The shocks don't want to hang right, and it sits lower in the rear than in the front.

I can't have that....so I'm gonna have to get some perches.