I managed to get the spring perches but I can't seem to find the new shock mounts or upper spring plate(the piece the U-bolts go through).

 

i just made some brackets..well im gunna make some brackets i havent gotten that far

 

why dont you just set it up like the ranger and wheld shock tabs on the axles...

 

Thats the plan. I was looking for some pre-made readily available universal shock mounting tabs that could be welded to the axle. Kind of like how I am just buying the spring perches and welding them to the axle i wanted to do the same for the shock mounts.

 

My axle is currently with the guy installing the gears. Anyone know the diamater of the axle housing ?

 

You mean this?



OK4WD. Search "Shock Mount"

 

yeah that looks like it will work.

 

also I need a set of U-bolts, I thought I had some that would work but they aren't big enough. Any suggestions ?

and they all else I need is the top spring mount/plate

 

These guys have all kinds of prefab brackets including dozens of shock mounts.

http://www.aa-mfg.com/

Most of their stuff is stamped mild steel but some items are available laser cut and/or 4130. The prices are decent and shipping is prompt. You can order online or by phone and they'll send you a free paper catalog, too, if you want.

 

Would this work



http://www.ok4wd.com/index.php/catal...tallation_kit/

 

The Explorer axle is larger than your Ranger's. You can get u-bolts for an early 90's F150 or a Level II and they will be the right spacing, you would just need to get the correct length. Level II u-bolts would be exactly the right size if you are running the factory blocks only.

Since Level II's have the same diameter axle tubes as a 2001-back Ex, the LII spring plates will fit perfectly.

 

I ended up ordering perches and shock mounts made by performance accessories(same company as my body lift)

I ordered them from this site.
http://accessory-center.com/default....cessory-Center

For the U-bolts I ended up ordering a set of lift blocks with U-bolts for an F150. I shouldn't need the blocks for any reason but for the price it works. Since they are made to work with the lift bolts they should be more then long enough.

U-bolts, perches, and shock mounts came to about $90.

I still need the upper spring plate but i think I will either buy it new from ford or buy a junkyard piece. I guess if I had to i could fab them.

 

I got the upper plates from

https://broncograveyard.com/

$40

 

I kind of thought more people had done the 31-spline explorer swap.

 

A lot more low riders do the Ex swap because it is closer to a bolt on as a "spring under" installation. Lots of them on RPS.

 

Oh that's interesting. I still kind of thought a lot of people put the 31 spline units in lifted trucks for strength.

 

Some have done the EX swap to SOA trucks but, as you know, it is not a bolt-on mod. This takes it beyond the capabilities and/or resources of many owners. Also, the Level II's already have 31-spline axles, so they don't need to be changed.

 

Oh yeah I bet the LII is a more popular swap. Oh well the axle was super cheap. I bet i still came out a head for the cost of a LII axle.

 

alot of the guys on TRS, just weld up their own stuff, and dont have to buy anything

 

you could just leave it SUA and gain more uptravel... oh wait wrong coast

 

Hey what size spring perches do I need to order 1-3/4", 2", 2-1/2" or 3"? Also on the shock mount do I need to order the shock pins or would the ones that come with the shocks work?

Also I just ordered traction bars from James Duff will they work with the f-150 u-bolts and plates? I ordered the 31 spline James Duff mounting plates.

Thanks to anyone and sorry for all the questions

 

I ordered the 2 1/2 but I think the 3 inch would have worked better. For the price if I was doing it again i would get both and use the one that works the best.

You do not need the shock Pin I got them but didn't need them.

Not sure about the trac bars. I think so but not 100%. I ordered stock Bronco/F150 spring plates, so I would think that would be good.

 

andy the duff bars should work its no different then the guys running them on their lvl2s

 

Cool thanks guys I am picking up the explorer rear end tommorow and hope to have it installed by next weekend with the traction bars

 

sounds awesome man. Hope it works for ya.

I was just asking my friend today about an explorer axle, with or without disc brakes. It'll be a little while before i do that though.