B2 vs Explorer Rear Spring mounting width

[CheapThrillB2]

Alright its like 25* outside and snowing and i'm to warm and cozy to go out and measure.

But

Does anybody know off hand what measurement from leaf to leaf is on the rear of a first gen explorer and what the same measurement is on a first gen B2?????? Difference in mounting.

 

[CopyKat]

I believe it is the same to within 1/2" total. 1/4" per side.

 

[CheapThrillB2]

mine measure 2" difference total

 

[CopyKat]

mine measure 2" difference total

That is odd. When I put the explorer axle in my B2 I kept the original Ex pads under the axle and they are within 1/4" of each other. My B2 is 1/4" wider per side. That's just what it worked out to.

 

[Sunk]

Are the Explorer and Ranger the same width?

 

[CheapThrillB2]

i just laid a tape measure on the outside of the spring and measured to the other outside of spring of both my trucks and got a 2" difference.....but the rear of my b2 is far from a normal so that might play into it.

 

[4x4junkie]

I have just over 38½" on my Ranger (center-to-center) which should be the same as the Ex, my BII measures just under 40½".

 

[CopyKat]

I have just over 38½" on my Ranger (center-to-center) which should be the same as the Ex, my BII measures just under 40½".

The B2 is the same as the Ex. The brackets that mount the spring are different between the ranger and the B2. About 3/4" different. Someone could have replaced the rusty brackets with ranger ones. That would equal 1.5" or more difference.

Mine are stock brackets, unless someone was able to rivet them on like the factory.


My CAD file I have measures 39.5". I'll have to go measure my truck and report back in the morning.

 

[Sunk]

I answered my own question, d'oh! Knew I should have looked around first. Look at the 'Measurements' table about 1/4 of the way down

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.html

Explorers and Rangers are the same at 39"

 

[4x4junkie]

The B2 is the same as the Ex. The brackets that mount the spring are different between the ranger and the B2. About 3/4" different. Someone could have replaced the rusty brackets with ranger ones. That would equal 1.5" or more difference.

Mine are stock brackets, unless someone was able to rivet them on like the factory.


My CAD file I have measures 39.5". I'll have to go measure my truck and report back in the morning.

BII is NOT the same.

When I relocated the perches on my Ex 8.8", I had to also move them outward 1" per side for it to line up properly. All my brackets are factory riveted-on originals.

 

[CopyKat]

I've got my old ranger in the shop so I'll measure that. and measure my B2.

I remember measuring the front of the springs width and the rear, and using those to get my perch measurement. When I did the shackle flip I replaced my springs and the springs were hanging free and they lined up perfect to the axle.

I remember doing the same to the ranger years ago.

 

[CopyKat]

Ranger measures 39" and my B2 measures 40.5"

 

[4x4junkie]

So pretty close to what I measured.

It is close enough you could force it to fit, although it'll put some added stress on the leaf hangers and shackle mounts.

 

[CheapThrillB2]

i wouldn't force it to fit, i may move the spring mounts under the frame on the b2 though (that is if i plan to keep wheeling it).

 

[CopyKat]

i may move the spring mounts under the frame on the b2 though (that is if i plan to keep wheeling it).

I wouldn't. They are tippy enough as is. The further out the spring mounts the better/more stable it is.