SoCalltd
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- Aug 30, 2016
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Alright here we go... My original plan was to buy a 91-94 explorer 4x4 to build into a mild wheeler and "pre runner". The plan will include f-150/Bronco Dana 44 TTB front and full width 8.8 from an f-150. I know the frame is wider and will need to lengthen the TTB 1" per beam in order to retain the stock axles. I will cut and turn the lower ball joint to make up for the camber angle while converting the front to coilovers. This should bring roughly 10" wider than stock which is the goal of the swap. For the rear end I’ll be using late 90's Chevy springs that will be re-arched +12" and re-locate the brackets as necessary. This is not my first TTB build I had a 96 f-150 before. Now I state all this to prove I have used the search function, done my research and I'm a huge fan of 4x4Junkies work and knowledge.
Due to availability in my local area and considering that it is in fact 2016 finding 91-94 4x4 4.0l explorers is slowly becoming more and more rare. Yes they are out there, and yes they are cheap. At the same time in seeing a lot of V8 4x4 explorers around the same price but those were only offered after 95. I’m stuck on explorer and not a ranger because I need to build a family friendly off-roader. I was hoping I could find some guidance on what it would take to swap in the TTB. I have found a couple post and everybody just bashes the guy but never really explains why.
So for the big question. Since the TTB front really only uses 4 mounting points why does it seem so impossible to swap it into a newer explorer. From what I understand the main reason would be the cross member where the TTB mounts are located. If that's the case is it at all possible to swap the cross member with the TTB arms from an earlier explorer. The radius arms will be custom made and use 1 1/4" heims and custom mounts. Of course this will bring up questions about steering which I have yet to truly solve but most likely will try and take that from the TTB donor as well until a better steering solution comes along (swing set).
Now I know there are a lot of haters of the TTB and will say SAS, But I have ran TTB in the past and know its limitations, strengths and weaknesses. I'm not trying to rock crawl it, so it will stay open. I just want to be able to climb a hill run through the mud and be able to get through the sand. So in advance I kindly ask for you to save your time because I will not SAS.
To anybody willing to help thank you in advance, I'd really like to run a newer V8 Explorer TTB Dana 44 front but if not possible I’ll settle for a 91-94.
Due to availability in my local area and considering that it is in fact 2016 finding 91-94 4x4 4.0l explorers is slowly becoming more and more rare. Yes they are out there, and yes they are cheap. At the same time in seeing a lot of V8 4x4 explorers around the same price but those were only offered after 95. I’m stuck on explorer and not a ranger because I need to build a family friendly off-roader. I was hoping I could find some guidance on what it would take to swap in the TTB. I have found a couple post and everybody just bashes the guy but never really explains why.
So for the big question. Since the TTB front really only uses 4 mounting points why does it seem so impossible to swap it into a newer explorer. From what I understand the main reason would be the cross member where the TTB mounts are located. If that's the case is it at all possible to swap the cross member with the TTB arms from an earlier explorer. The radius arms will be custom made and use 1 1/4" heims and custom mounts. Of course this will bring up questions about steering which I have yet to truly solve but most likely will try and take that from the TTB donor as well until a better steering solution comes along (swing set).
Now I know there are a lot of haters of the TTB and will say SAS, But I have ran TTB in the past and know its limitations, strengths and weaknesses. I'm not trying to rock crawl it, so it will stay open. I just want to be able to climb a hill run through the mud and be able to get through the sand. So in advance I kindly ask for you to save your time because I will not SAS.
To anybody willing to help thank you in advance, I'd really like to run a newer V8 Explorer TTB Dana 44 front but if not possible I’ll settle for a 91-94.