96 explorer front end

[lone-wolf]

Is the front end in them a dana 35? can I swap one onto a 95 ranger.

Why? cause if I get a explorer for parts(mostly for the 8.8) I'd like to replace my iffy front end with something in better shape.

 

[RangerSVT]

Yes, and no. The TTB ranger/explorers use a high pinion 35, the SALA rangers/explorers use a low pinion 35, neither gearset are interchangeable, but the carriers are interchangeable
SVT

 

[4x4junkie]

Actually nothing at all is interchangeable, the SLA IFS D35 uses a non-standard carrier that is narrower than the TTB/Jeep carrier, so unfortunately no workie there either.

For your '95 Ranger (I assume you've got the "hybrid" D28/35 thing under it?), you need to look for a '91-'94 Explorer, or '90-'97 Ranger to find a compatible diff. Note that '94 & older axles have a different brake setup, so if you're looking to swap something in whole, you should stick to '95-'97 Ranger axles.

 

[RangerSVT]

Hmm, good to know, thanks Junkie the SLA 35 is not a desired axle, when I installed a set of jeep gears into one, didn't have a problem and they went right in, so I took it for granted they were the same...
SVT

 

[lone-wolf]

Actually nothing at all is interchangeable, the SLA IFS D35 uses a non-standard carrier that is narrower than the TTB/Jeep carrier, so unfortunately no workie there either.

For your '95 Ranger (I assume you've got the "hybrid" D28/35 thing under it?), you need to look for a '91-'94 Explorer, or '90-'97 Ranger to find a compatible diff. Note that '94 & older axles have a different brake setup, so if you're looking to swap something in whole, you should stick to '95-'97 Ranger axles.

I assume it's a normal dana35 inside and out, I never checked to be 100% sure cause the tech library said the hybrid is in the 4cyl.

What is different about the brakes?

 

[4x4junkie]

If you have a true D35, seems like it'd be better to just tend to whatever it needs (guessing balljoints,bearings, etc), rather than swap some used axle into it... It'd then be all new again.

'95-'97 has the better twin-piston brake calipers ('90-'94 is single-piston). Not sure if there's a corresponding difference in the master cyl, probably not (seems I would've heard something about it by now).

D35 hybrid info on this page. Unless you have the 4.0L V6, there's some chance you could have one.

 

[lone-wolf]

Diff was full of water when I bought the truck and a wheel bearing disintegrated and the metal fused into the hub and gouged the axle shaft. It has over 300km on it.
I really don't trust the front end. But it does look like I have a normal dana35 from what I remember inside the diff.

 

[4x4junkie]

Ah you got some actual damage on it.

I'd look for a '95-'97 Ranger axle then. Just keep an eye out that it's not a hybrid if you pull it from a non-4.0L truck.