camusmuse
New Member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2011
- Messages
- 46
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Vehicle Year
- 2001
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 2.3l
- Transmission
- Manual
Ok, I searched, and I found alot of good info on swapping a Disc Brake Explorer axle into my truck to lower it... Problem is I still have some questions so...hear we go...I think we all can agree my truck needs an altitude adjustment.....
Width, I have seen a couple different width issues, that the Explorer is wider. Since I am going with later model Mustang Wheels with positive offset... is it wide enough to eliminate the need for spacers/adapters? What Gen Mustang wheels work the best the newest ones or the ones before? (I think '05 is the change), I will have a set of both by the time I do the axle swap probably. heh..
Pinion Angle. Do I need to reweld the perches at all to get the right pinion angle since the rear end is now in a Ranger and not an Explorer.
Bolt-in??? Is this a bolt in for my 2001 XLT ExtCab, or do I need to do some drive shaft mods or find other drive shafts from something else?
My poor little 2.3l...yeah, the current rear end is 4.10....should I try to go to the 3.73??? I think it would drive a bit better for my own driving style, usually I am out of 1st gear alot sooner than I want to be...maybe I just need to get used to the 2.3 again(used to have a 91 many years ago).
The brakes...I have seen where the Ebrake is an issue, I have seen a few threads, but most were at least a few years old, has a GOOD solution been come up with? I consider an Ebrake a must with a manual transmission. Also, is the valve proportioning *that* different than the stock drums, or do I need to get an adjustable valve, or (really dont want to), swap to an Explorer master?
The shocks....I read in one place that I can use the stock Explorer mounts for the frame, but swapping sides or something??? The explanation was a little bit fuzzy. If I have to weld...its possible, but I would prefer just to do a full bolt in...prefer....
I have read that depending on my stock suspension, that this will drop me 4-5 inches...pretty close to needing a notch...something I dont want to do yet...yet. If I can just cut down the bumpstops(or remove them..lol)..I will be happy. Wont be carrying too many loads with this truck.
So what is a good match for the front? Can I get away with just DJM springs and shocks, or do I need to go with the full a-arm kit. DJM seems pretty popular, any thoughts on the other companies that I have seen floating around out there?
Finally....is there anything I am forgetting(besides matching up the brake lines...yeah just remembered that)? Anyone that has done this swap on a similar truck to mine and has pictures and or suggestions...would be greatly appreciated... Not new to lowriders, but new to lowering Rangers.
If I need to just go back to the forum and search some more, just let me know...I hate to be THIS guy...FNG...lol...asking questions that have been asked so many times, but just looking for some updated information...
THANKS!!!
Nathan
Width, I have seen a couple different width issues, that the Explorer is wider. Since I am going with later model Mustang Wheels with positive offset... is it wide enough to eliminate the need for spacers/adapters? What Gen Mustang wheels work the best the newest ones or the ones before? (I think '05 is the change), I will have a set of both by the time I do the axle swap probably. heh..
Pinion Angle. Do I need to reweld the perches at all to get the right pinion angle since the rear end is now in a Ranger and not an Explorer.
Bolt-in??? Is this a bolt in for my 2001 XLT ExtCab, or do I need to do some drive shaft mods or find other drive shafts from something else?
My poor little 2.3l...yeah, the current rear end is 4.10....should I try to go to the 3.73??? I think it would drive a bit better for my own driving style, usually I am out of 1st gear alot sooner than I want to be...maybe I just need to get used to the 2.3 again(used to have a 91 many years ago).
The brakes...I have seen where the Ebrake is an issue, I have seen a few threads, but most were at least a few years old, has a GOOD solution been come up with? I consider an Ebrake a must with a manual transmission. Also, is the valve proportioning *that* different than the stock drums, or do I need to get an adjustable valve, or (really dont want to), swap to an Explorer master?
The shocks....I read in one place that I can use the stock Explorer mounts for the frame, but swapping sides or something??? The explanation was a little bit fuzzy. If I have to weld...its possible, but I would prefer just to do a full bolt in...prefer....
I have read that depending on my stock suspension, that this will drop me 4-5 inches...pretty close to needing a notch...something I dont want to do yet...yet. If I can just cut down the bumpstops(or remove them..lol)..I will be happy. Wont be carrying too many loads with this truck.
So what is a good match for the front? Can I get away with just DJM springs and shocks, or do I need to go with the full a-arm kit. DJM seems pretty popular, any thoughts on the other companies that I have seen floating around out there?
Finally....is there anything I am forgetting(besides matching up the brake lines...yeah just remembered that)? Anyone that has done this swap on a similar truck to mine and has pictures and or suggestions...would be greatly appreciated... Not new to lowriders, but new to lowering Rangers.
If I need to just go back to the forum and search some more, just let me know...I hate to be THIS guy...FNG...lol...asking questions that have been asked so many times, but just looking for some updated information...
THANKS!!!
Nathan
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