94 explorer vs 96 ranger axles

[Defective]

Are the front axle parts interchangeable between these two rigs? I have a chance to buy the explorer for $200 bucks. No motor, blown tranny. 126k miles and from California, so the 4x4 parts have likely have little to no wear on them. I'm interested in swapability of the rear axle too, however it's the drum version. Are there any advantages to having an explorer rear axle if its got drums, besides that this one has less miles than mine, with 240k now?

 

[mjonesjr]

Yes they are.

 

[exbass94]

Front axle is exactly the same as a 96 Ranger axle. So, unless you want a different gear ratio, there wouldn't be any point in putting the Explorer front axle in.
The Explorer has a stronger rear axle than the Ranger: 31 spline axles vs the Ranger's 28 spline axles. It won't be a direct bolt-in though. You need to weld new spring perches to the top of the axle.

 

[Defective]

Thanks for the info guys.

The ranger is a DD commuter and will not be experiencing any "upgrading" of the front in terms of offroad ability at this time.

The Explorer might get something new though some day. I'm considering using a scout as a donor to build that up. The main reason for buying the explorer is the front driveshaft, tires/wheels, overhead console and the cheap price. I'll part some of it out and try to come up with something good to do with the rest, or junk it. I would like to make a capable driveway snowplow rig out of it. Something that's small for maneuvering the tight stuff, not parking lots.

 

[Ranger44]

Front axle is exactly the same as a 96 Ranger axle.

No it's not.

The 94' Explorer has piece o' crap split pins brakes and knuckles, while the Ranger would have the very nice dual piston "bolt on" calipers. The beams are also more reinforced on a 95-97' Ranger, including more welds and reinforcement around the lower ball-joint.

Unless the Explorer has a better ratio, new shafts or u-joints, then forget about it.

Just keep your Ranger axles.

 

[Defective]

Thank you for that clarification.

Drive shaft, axle shafts and spindles are the same?

Do you guys know if the front springs are stiffer on the explorer? If they are, will I lose a little of this front end rake if I swap those in?

 

[4x4junkie]

Axleshafts & driveshafts are the same. Spindles are a hair different for accommodating the ABS brakes on some '95-'97 trucks.

As for the springs... Without knowing what your Ranger is (Supercab, Reg cab, 4-cyl, V6, etc.) I couldn't tell you if they are stiffer or not. In any case, I would just use a few washers under your stock coils to get rid of some of the rake.

 

[scotts90ranger]

EDIT: nevermind, misread the title, thought it said '96 ranger and '96 explorer...

 

[AllanD]

Axleshafts & driveshafts are the same. Spindles are a hair different for accommodating the ABS brakes on some '95-'97 trucks.

As for the springs... Without knowing what your Ranger is (Supercab, Reg cab, 4-cyl, V6, etc.) I couldn't tell you if they are stiffer or not. In any case, I would just use a few washers under your stock coils to get rid of some of the rake.

the '96 Ranger will be ABS, as would a 1995 Ranger 4x4,
but oddly a 1997 only might be ABS.

But the 1993-94 Explorers were all ABS as well

The spindles are the same.

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[Mac]

They might have less miles on them but might have been running for 100K in the dunes or along the beach. Sure don't judge by the miles. Good luck with the swap if it works.
Dave