well....i took the time to read this because you seem like a good kid.
like mentioned previously, intended use is the key to any advice.
seems your going the right way.
simply put, the b2 stock...... is a monster trailmachine for the time period of vehicles that imo bitchslaps jeeps with just good tires in 235 or 30x9 and a drop in locker. even the pathetic d28 is livable with those tires and jbg support these days. the trucks are awesome for trail work...though i do not like them for hi-way work.
i disagree with some of the previous posters assessment of the 4.0 vs 5.0 vs 2.9 scenario. the 4.0 is a night and day difference all things being equal. the 5.0 in stock trim from a 150/bronco or car that is non ho or better has too many cons to a 4.0's pros as far as useable power goes. but...in the case of stockish builds, the 2.9 geared is definitely a decent unit if it is running correctly.
but for that matter a 2.0 or 2.3 ecoboost or ls v8 would be a better idea today if you actually want more power.. the gm 4.3 is a beast as well.
rolling the fenders is not hack if done right..and can actually be the correct solution.....been doing the baseball bat since the 80's...of course in certain situations it can obviously be considered hack....so that is a toss.
body lift? even if engine swaps are not on the horizon, you have the biggest piece of shit transmission ever. a 2 in body lift and fresh bushings and well antisiezed bolts will be a worthy investment for this old beast to make maintenance much easier.
leaving it stockish till you actually know what it is you want to do is a great idea since it is your main transportation. having a solid unit like you have is a blessing most will not see so enjoy it.
the explorer axles are much wider and will require some work. there is ways to do the rear with no welding.
so just drive the dang thing and have fun for now.
I appreciate your honesty and the fact that you took the time to read my thread. I stated in the past that I am new to all of this, the automotive world that is. I am trying to do simple bolt on swaps for now, seeing as I don't know how to do anything else. I don't plan on doing an engine swap any time soon. The main reason I was looking at axle swaps was for the gearing. From what I've read, you can only go up to 4.10s in the d28 (not sure about the 7.5). I hadn't thought about the axles being too wide.
As for being appreciative, trust me when I say I AM. I haven't had the best home life thus far, which is a shame but it has really helped me to understand how grateful I should be for everything that I have and will have.
Off that topic, I am gonna try to do the radiator and brake fluid this week. I have work today, not sure about the rest of the week.
I just remembered something that I forgot to check yesterday while I was doing the shocks. My transmission dipstick tube (no idea what it's called) seems to be blocked by something. When I try to put the dipstick in, it goes down almost all the way, but there is still about 4 inches of dipstick still sticking out. This is a problem because I can't check my tranny fluid which I've been meaning to do recently.