4wd to 2wd axle pivot mount

[Corncake21]

Hello this is my first time posting and I've got a bit of a loaded question that hopefully belongs here. I am in the process of lowering my 4wd ranger with the use of 2wd ranger drop beams and thus giving up the 4wd. However I've just found out that the engine crossmembers and passenger side axle pivot mounts are different between 2wd and 4wd. My understanding is that explorer engine crossmembers are the same wether 2wd or 4wd. So I was wondering if anyone knew if getting a passenger side axle pivot mount from a 2wd explorer would remedy my situation? Autofab seems to sell the mount (I'll put a link to it) but I didn't want to spend that kind of money and end up with the same issue. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Ford Explorer / Bronco 2 Left Side Beam Pivot - Autofab

The Autofab Left Side Beam Pivot for the Ford Explorer and Bronco 2 is a precision-engineered component designed to enhance suspension performance and articulation. This pivot assembly provides improved stability and durability, making it ideal for off-road enthusiasts looking to maximize their...

autofab.com

 

[JoshT]

What are you trying to remedy?

My understanding is that all BIIs, and maybe Explorers, used the 4x4 beam pivots, and as a result they had a taller ride height. You should be able to install 2wd beams on a 4wd frame, you just won't get the same low ride height as a 2wd frame would.

I'm going purely off memory and past understanding here, I could very well be wrong. I'm sure someone will chime in here soon and tell us.

So I did some searching and it appears that you are correct. The crossmember itself is the same, but the beam pivot on the driver side of the vehicle is different. Yes, that piece will convert it to the same style 2wd frame as a BII or Explorer. Note that the BII and Explorer 2wds sit higher than a Ranger 2wd in stock form. You can install the drop beams, but you will not get the same ride height results as a true 2wd Ranger frame.

 

[Corncake21]

Thanks for your help! I forgot to mention exactly what the issue was, which is that the passenger side I beam was sitting out a few inches further in the wheel well than the drivers side due to the 4wd axle pivot mount being more inwards than the 2wd mount.

 

[JoshT]

Sounds like that pivot would probably fix that problem.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yeah you need this mount off of a 2WD Explorer (or Bronco II):

 

[bobbywalter]

iirc. the 2wd explorer/b2 beams are also different.

i dont remember the specifics but had issues on a swap when trying to lower a 2wd explorer for drag racing.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I thought the 2wd BII brackets were made so 4wd beams would drop in (and I would think going the other way is the same story)

Don't recall hearing anything about the Explorers one way or another.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I thought the 2wd BII brackets were made so 4wd beams would drop in (and I would think going the other way is the same story)

Don't recall hearing anything about the Explorers one way or another.

Same.

 

[bobbywalter]

well....how many people are building 2wd lowered ttb/tib drag racing explorers? i pushed for a awd newer chassis at the time because it made more sense...to me.

it was in the 90s still....and finding a 2wd explorer was not easy, but 2wd rangers were like rabbits. eventually we picked up some explorer beams and they were different from the ranger units, spatially the 2wd ranger and explorer once laid out provided the insight and i was thinking it was manageable with some relocation of brackets and bushings, owner went to a mustang based retrofit as it was getting laddered anyway.


that is when i learned about the aerostar and the forth coming vic systems. these were put to use in other rigs. the cleveland powered trucks got dakota racks ect with tib rangers in that period. same with mels...it was an easy way to get around box blockage.

 

[Corncake21]

It's been a while but I'd figure I should update if anyone else is looking to lower a 4x4 ranger (probably not lol). It would appear that I beams from a 2wd and 4wd bronco 2, explorer and 4wd ranger will all interchange with each other. It is just 2wd rangers that have their own i beams and corresponding mounts. So I did have to end up having to swap the whole engine crossmember as the passenger side axle pivot mount is in an entirely different place compared to 4wd and 2wd. It was a huge pain cutting out a crossmember from a junkyard, removing all of the welds and rivets holding both crossmembers in and then shoving the new crossmember in place. I wish I had just gone with a mustang 2 front end as it would have been better for my application and possibly less work.