Axle Swap

[block007]

New to the ranger, have a 1992 2wd exd cab. Want to lower it. Since the explorer rear is spring under, can i go to the junkyard and just unbolt a 91-94 axle springs and all and bolt it up under the ranger. I have seen info on the swap but thats if you were using the stock ranger springs. I was just wondering if the springs would bolt right up from the explorer if i put it in as one unit.

 

[97BlackBetty]

You can just simply swap the axles, however, you will want to retain the ranger springs because the explorer springs will net you roughly 2 inches of lift. So, if you go spring under with the explorer axle and explorer leaf pack, you will recieve in the neighborhood of 2 inches lowering, with the ranger leafs, I believe it is closer to 4 inches lower.

 

[fordboi415]

Yes since your lowering its a basic bolt in swap

 

[4x4junkie]

Should be closer to 5" lower with keeping the Ranger springs, 3" with the Ex springs. You'll just need to flip the centerpins over if you keep your Ranger springs.

Another user here lowered his by swapping the Ex axle in directly (I forget who though, hopefully he'll chime in).

 

[block007]

So if i go to the yard, unbolt the explorer axle from the rig(i.e. leave the leafs on the axle) unbolt the current axle from the ranger springs and all, then bolt the explorer axle with the leafs still attached spring under the springs will line up in the ranger shocks will mount up and it will lower it 3". sorry just trying to make sure im understanding it right, i do not want to buy the axle if it wont bolt right in.

 

[4x4junkie]

It should, exc for maybe just the shocks, you might need to weld mounts to the Ex axle to mount the lower end of the shocks (not sure if you can get the stock Ex shock mounts on the leaf plates to work).

Something I probably should mention, the Ex axle is also 1.5" wider each side. Not sure how much that will affect the tires tucking in the fender, you probably could compensate for that with a different wheel offset if needed.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Are the springs the same distance apart in an Explorer as they are in a Ranger?

The Ex has the springs mounted outside the frame, the Ranger has them mounted under the frame, I would check the widths before you get to carried away.

EDIT: nevermind, I see they are both 39" apart...

 

[chvlfrk]

Ummmm..............

Are the springs the same distance apart in an Explorer as they are in a Ranger?
The Ex has the springs mounted outside the frame, the Ranger has them mounted under the frame, I would check the widths before you get to carried away.
EDIT: nevermind, I see they are both 39" apart...

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You got that bassackwards................Ranger's are on the outside of frame, Explorer's are under the frame.......

I'm plannin on usin the Explorer setup of under-the-frame in my newest project to make room for MORE TIRE!