Explorer stuff too Ranger, Front diff. and rear axle to Ranger?

Blown · Feb 7, 2016

I know I can swap the rear axle in with changing the axle perches and the shock mounts :icon_welder:

. I Got 4.10s now and only running 265/70's. The swap to 3.73 would seem to help mileage a bit and it has plenty of power.
That would get me rear disk brakes and 3.73 gearing, but will the front differential bolt into my Ranger???

pjtoledo · Feb 7, 2016

talking only the IFS/SLA,,,,explorer front diffs changed somewhere around 2002, newer ones are not bolt-in swaps to Rangers.

JoshT · Feb 7, 2016

You are wanting to sell the Explorer right? If so leave it alone, you'll loose more on the value than you would spend buying the parts at a junkyard later.

don4331 · Feb 7, 2016

Blown:

The front actually one of the easier swaps to do. Donor A. needs to be '95-'01 Explorer; Recipient B. a '98+ Ranger. Dana 35s are identical (I went the other way: 3.73s to 4.10s as I went to 31x10.5R15s from 235/75R15s). Unbolt the driveshaft; separate the upper ball joints, pull out the axles, undo the 3 bolts and drop the axle.* Reverse to reinstall.

For the rear, I needed the rear axle flip from the DJM Suspension lowering kit**. Holes in the axle mount/shock bracket needed a little elongation.** Unbolt driveshaft, unbolt u-bolts, disconnect VSS sensor, disconnect brake lines*. Reverse to reinstall; bleed brakes.***

Rear brakes needed few adapters to make everything work (don't remember exact part numbers..)

*Remember the vent tubes or there will be cursing at some point.

**I had the flip kit as we were lowering a 2wd Ranger and installing the Explorer rear axle in it. DJM Suspension sells just the flip kit for about a Benjamin. We did need to get an additional pair of driver's side Explorer spring/shock mounts; I think that was another Jackson.

***The Explorer didn't get the auxiliary shock on the snout reinstalled (no mounting holes on the Ranger 7.5...). Its a little narrower, but you can't notice just looking at it.

'90-94 Explorers came with drums in back, and lots of people have swapped the newer disc brake axle into their SUVs with no ill effects.

85_Ranger4x4 · Feb 7, 2016

For the rear brake hydraulics get a right brake soft line for the left side. Run the Rangers brakes to the center like it is now and the bend new hardlines.

i paid $100 for an explorer rear though, not sure if it is worth killing a car for that. Jy's are full of that gen.

Blown · Feb 9, 2016

The "X" needs heads and lifters and I do not want to put any more into it.

I could keep a bunch of parts, thinking rotors, pads, rear axle, front diff, wheels, the top rack would go great on a shell, outside temp. sensor and overhead consul with reading lights, stereo head unit and woofer, front axle shafts/cv's and likely more items as I get into it. If I can part the rest for even $700 I will be ahead in my book. I plan on keeping the Ranger long term so parts is good.

Any Ideas of what else I could keep for the Ranger?

85_Ranger4x4 · Feb 9, 2016

Pull the engine and sell it, trans the same.

The Explorer intake (and engine parts in general) is hot right now for foxbody/SN-95 cars.

Axles, wheels, seats, full length console, overhead console...

don4331 · Feb 10, 2016

Keep:

In addition to those listed: Steering column, airbags.

Blown · Feb 11, 2016

Thanks ya'll

Wheels sold first.

Explorer stuff too Ranger, Front diff. and rear axle to Ranger?

Blown

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pjtoledo

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Blown

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