Not sure if this is the right spot, but I searched and couldn't find any useful info.

I am pretty sure I bent my stock 04 ranger axle from 3 yards of topsoil in the bed.
The backing plate on one side is screwed and it is due for brakes and drums.

I figure why not upgrade to the 31 spline axle with disc brakes.

but i have a couple of questions....

1. will my 04 driveshaft bolt up the the explorer axle?

2. what do I do about e-brake cables?

3.Can I just use flip kit spring pads, Or should I cut off the old and welded on the new?(not a big deal, I everything to do that)

4. Shock mounts. Are the explorer ones bolt on or something? Why do I need to move or mount new ones?

 

1). Yes it should.

2). There are a lot of threads here and on TRS about how to swap out the axle and what to do about the e-brake cable. Going to need to grab the explorer ebrake cable with the axle I believe.

3). Yes, you can leave the old ones on as far as I know. Most people cut them off so it doesn't look goofy I guess.

4). You will see when you go look at an explorer axle why the shock mounts won't work and you need your own. They are mounted completely different than the rangers.

 

Do you have any links to other threads. I was unable to find Any

 

This is the writeup most people use:
The Ford Explorer 8.8-Inch Axle Swap

And here's the kit from ruffstuff that makes it simple.
Ford 8.8 Rear Axle Simple Swap (31 spline) - RuffStuff Specialties

 

Thanks, I saw the TRS one, but the ruffstuff kit is nice

 

Picked up my Explorer axle today. Got a decent deal at $250.

It came with a sway bar and end links. Can I just bolt them to my frame or will that not work(I dont go 4wheeling)

 

Well I got the axle in the truck today. Everything went smoothly up until the E-brake cables. I bought brand new Ford ones as not to deal with aftermarket junk.

I have my brake bracket relocated due to the chevy 1/2 ton springs I am running. I just welded a piece of square tubing to the spring hanger and then the brake to the tubing to keep in in the stock location. It has worked fine for the past 4 years and 100k.

But now I THINK I have the explorer bracket located on the bottom of the frame in in such a way it allows equal tension on both cables. but the PROBLEM is the passenger side cable will NOT stay on the small brake lever at the passenger wheel. It is aBEAR to get on and as soon as i release the e-brake, it springs right off. The cable can only go on one way, or am I missing something?

PLEASE help, I NEED an e-brake

 

I am pretty sure I figuered out the cable hoping off issue.

When i had the rear brakes apart and the E-brake lever apart to Un-seize it, I must have assembled the passenger side one wrong and it was not going all the way back to the release position and there for the cable could slide off the hook.

Went for a quick ride...

WOW, it stops on a dime now and I am pleased with my choice of the dura track post unit so far. Not grabby, but will easily spin the inside tire on a hard turn in gravel. Also the E-brake seems to hold better than the old drum brakes did