Sport tac rear axle

[juice90]

Not quite an urgent request, but need one soon and I already have 2 threads posted on the subject, but I just came across a 2004 explorer sport track rear axle, and I was wondering if that will fit in place of my original 8.8 axle?

The add reads 2004 rear axle ford explorer 4 door sport trac ( 4x4) 3.73 ratio 53,000 miles grade A part 450 bucks Canadian.

There is a second one from an 03, ford explorer locking, LH ash ng 2dr sprt 3.73 ratio grade a part 400 bucks.

Somewhere I recall seeing that the sport trac will fit and has rear discs.

Considering the price of an actual ranger diff, at 850 bucks and 400 just for parts alone to rebuild my existing one, this may be my best bet yet.

And I already know about spring perches etc. Have already done one of these conversions, just need to know about fitment

Thanks

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Sport trac and explorer both use the same rear axle. Your ranger rear axle is a 28 spline and the explorer and sport trac will be 31 spline. Both the explorer and sport trac are spring under so the spring pads need to be installed on the top side of the axle like the ranger to bolt in. Both the explorer and sport trac can have disc brakes. My 02 sport trac has drums. A 2003 explorer is independent rear not a solid rear axle. a 2002 explorer will be solid axle. The sport trac will be solid rear axle 01-05.

 

[exbass94]

A 2003 explorer is independent rear not a solid rear axle. a 2002 explorer will be solid axle. The sport trac will be solid rear axle 01-05.

2002 Explorer is also independent rear. 2001 was the last year for solid rear axle.

The Explorer Sport (not Sport Trac) continued to be made until 2003 though, and all of those had solid rear axles.

 

[jeremysdad]

Tossing a random query out: Would the independent rear be an upgrade for a 4x4 Ranger, or just wind up being a weak link?

 

[SenorNoob]

Tossing a random query out: Would the independent rear be an upgrade for a 4x4 Ranger, or just wind up being a weak link?

That's a valid question that I'd also like to see a logical answer to. It would be the right size and is an 8.8.

 

[2trux]

Tossing a random query out: Would the independent rear be an upgrade for a 4x4 Ranger, or just wind up being a weak link?

It all depends on what you consider an upgrade. If you have a street truck and don't use it to haul, you would get a smoother ride. If you wheel it, you would lose wheel travel. You would also reduce the weight you could carry in the bed.

The amount of work to convert the back of your truck to IFS would be huge. It would make a SAS seem simple by comparison. It would be easier to put the ranger body on the explorer frame.