My Explorer axle into '97 Ranger project

[Blackdog]

This is my 2000 Explorer axle (top) I'm using. I installed 4:88 gears and a Detroit Truetrac.

This is the only problem I've had so far. The 4:88 gears are so fat I could not install the retaining cylinder. I had to either grind the ring gear or the cylinder, I chose the later.

I'll post more pictures as I go. I can see the emergency brake cable may be a challenge, not sure yet.

 

[Blackdog]

I cut off all the Explorer brackets and added the Ranger ones. I used all new brackets.

Looks better painted satin black.

I used Explorer spring plates with the stock shock mount cut off. I also re-drilled the holes and used 9/16" ubolts

The axle bolted in.

 

[Blackdog]

Got most everything done except for connecting the emergency brake and brake lines. I'm going to see if an Explorer Sport emergency brake cable will work. Also, I need to go back to the wrecking yard to get an Explorer brake line for the axle.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

very clean, very strong looking setup.

wanna do one for me next?

 

[rangersteve]

Looks great. I am going to be doing this swap soon. Just wondering the best way to get the old explorer brackets off. Did you torch them and then grind? Also, where did you get the new spring perches and shocks mounts?

 

[Blackdog]

Looks great. I am going to be doing this swap soon. Just wondering the best way to get the old explorer brackets off. Did you torch them and then grind? Also, where did you get the new spring perches and shocks mounts?

I got the spring pads from Summit. I made the shock mounts. I removed the old hardware with my ESAB plasma cutter.

 

[Blackdog]

very clean, very strong looking setup.

wanna do one for me next?

Ya know as I was doing this I was thinking of prepping several Explorer axles for Ranger applications. That way they would be ready to bolt in. The owner would still have to work out his own gear/locker selection but the fab work would be done.

 

[Hahnsb2]

=

The axle bolted in.

Is that bottom leaf broken? Nice welds anyways
EDIT: Never mind I just realized it's one of those metal deals between the leafs.

 

[Blackdog]

The finished project. Cruise at 70mph (indicated) is 2,800 rpm. That's with 4:88 gears and 33" tires. I'm starting on the front axle tomorrow.

 

[organic]

Ya know as I was doing this I was thinking of prepping several Explorer axles for Ranger applications. That way they would be ready to bolt in. The owner would still have to work out his own gear/locker selection but the fab work would be done.

Thats a really good idea!!

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

i second that motion

 

[mkpecor]

they would sell like hot caks, really nice welds

 

[JFA_Spyderman]

+3, I third it. And actually being here in WA. I would consider driving out with the axle to have you do it. Hey, maybe I could pickup those arms at the same time. lol.

Edit: Question. what are you doing for your rear brake like there? It looks like it might get taunt if you flex too much.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

hey im in WA...i didnt notice thats where blackdog was....now im really interested

 

[Blackdog]

OK, I'll work out the details. First, I need to have the shock brackets made. I made my own using a plasma cutter and grinder but if I were doing a few I'd like to have them made with a waterjet. I'm sure if I had say 20 sets made the price would be reasonable. Also the Explorer emergency brake is a problem as it won't hook up to the Ranger cable. I can work this out, just need time to think it through. I could use an adapter or just go with an Explorer cable.

I'll just use 31 spline disc brake axles. Around here they run about $250 depending on the year, gear ratio and if it's a LS or not. I paid $300 for mine, then another $75 for brake lines, etc.