8.8 swap perch placement

[rangerbum]

Hey guys, I'm about to swap a 92 explorer 8.8 rear into my 85 BII. I'm wondering, the tech library says the bII's rear axle is 1 and 5/8 inch wider than ranger on one side. When i weld new spring perches on the top should i put them directly in line with the ex perches or will that leave me with the axle not perfectly centered?

 

[4x4junkie]

You can use the Explorer's leaf perches as a reference if you want.
Just remember the width of the BII's perch spacing is 2" wider (~40.5" vs ~38.5"), so weld your perches 1" to the outside of where the Explorer perch locations were. Also make sure your pinion angle is good before you burn your final welds in.

 

[Captain Ledd]

I loosely bolted mine up under the springs and massaged it into place, and set the correct pinion angle too. Once done, give it 4 good tack's on the corners of the perches, pull it out and weld it up proper.

I got it to within 3/8", but for whatever reason I just could not massage it closer than that. After 20 minutes, I said F-it, and welded it up 3/8" off to one side. I really can't tell which side now, I've forgotten which one it was.

 

[rangerbum]

Thanks guys, i appreciate the insight. I'll definitely be lining it up under the leaves and getting my pinion angle spot on before i weld anything.