1995+ Explorer Rear end swap questions

[4.6StangRage]

I have searched numerous times and Found a lot of similar info on this but i stumbled upon this one fact recently. Instead of welding the new spring pads to the opposite side of the axle couldn't I just Use the explorer leaf spring setup? There is a how to section on the RPS forum that states that using the leafs setup from the explorer will allow the ranger to be almost the stock height in the rear and the only welding mod would be the shock mounts.

I have a couple more questions but ill ask later.

Thanks!

 

[chvlfrk]

I've never heard of anybody doin that, but that's not to say it hasn't been done by anybody on here.

I personally have had a customer of mine strip 2 Explorers within the last few months, a 97 & 99, both 5.0's, and I looked at the springs, to me they don't look to have anymore arch than the Ranger.........

I have heard of some usin a flip kit instead of movin the perches.........

Keep us informed!

 

[martin]

I don't see how it would work. The explorer frame is wider at the back and the springs are mounted under the rails. The ranger mounts are on the side of the frame rails.

 

[fordmandan87]

it is the extra leaf that aides in the extra ground clearance. and i dont see why you cant use the shock mount off an explorer. that way you can still utilize the stock shocks in the rear and save some $

 

[fordmandan87]

I don't see how it would work. The explorer frame is wider at the back and the springs are mounted under the rails. The ranger mounts are on the side of the frame rails.

that may be but the distance between the spring perches are the same. therefore it will be centered like a ranger axle

 

[MikeInIdaho]

You probably could use the exploder leafs in the spring under configuration, but I would think that you'd still lose some ride height. An axle flip usually drops the truck anywhere from 4-5" and using the exploder springs usually nets less than 2" of lift, when used on a ranger. You'd probably still need another 2" of lift or so to get it close to stock ride height. This could be accomplished quite easily by using Belltech 6400 shackles (1.5-1.75" lift) along with a small add-a-leaf or hybrid Ranger/Exploder leaf pack. Using the longer shackle would create better handling characteristics by flattening the spring pack out a little more and improving your shackle angle.

 

[4.6StangRage]

Nice! thanks for the replies guys, Ill have to check out the situation when i get the parts!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't see how it would work. The explorer frame is wider at the back and the springs are mounted under the rails. The ranger mounts are on the side of the frame rails.

The mounting pads are the same distance apart though, the Ex has them mounted under the wider frame and the Ranger has them mounted outside of the narrower frame, somehow they cooked it up so it came out to the same measurement.

 

[4.6StangRage]

so, the Ex has them mounted on the inside of frame
the Ranger on the outside otherwise they are the same dimensions?
Sounds good to me, i was also reading they both will be almost the same height.

 

[chvlfrk]

An axle flip usually drops the truck anywhere from 4-5" and using the exploder springs usually nets less than 2" of lift, when used on a ranger. You'd probably still need another 2" of lift or so to get it close to stock ride height.

============================================
I was stating that I've heard of people usin flip kits (reversed from most useage) on Explorer axles to mount the Explorer rearend UNDER the springs!

 

[AllanD]

I have searched numerous times and Found a lot of similar info on this but i stumbled upon this one fact recently. Instead of welding the new spring pads to the opposite side of the axle couldn't I just Use the explorer leaf spring setup? There is a how to section on the RPS forum that states that using the leafs setup from the explorer will allow the ranger to be almost the stock height in the rear and the only welding mod would be the shock mounts.

I have a couple more questions but ill ask later.

Thanks!

The explorers ride higher with the springs mounted "under" because the springs are mounted to the frame differently.

and you cannot mount ranger springs the same way because the explorer frame "flares out" starting just behind the transmission crossmember
so that the framem is the same width as the spring pads on the axle.

Explorer spings do mount on the rangers but it's the difference in the height of the mounting to the frame that allows spring under.



AD

 

[4.6StangRage]

*Bump* I found a 1997 Explorer rear end and I am going to pick it up on thursday or saturday, from there I will be able to test the configuration. It has 67k on it so I am not worried on quality or anything. wish me luck, btw anyone else tried to do this setup without moving the pads?

 

[4.6StangRage]

I picked up my axle yesterday and the mechanics didn't include the leafs. I asked them about the leafs and they yanked them off of the donor. Now what do I do about the U bolts? Should I replace them? there appears to be nothing physically wrong with them but I heard that I should replace them if they were taken off.