explorer axle and spring swap question

[stackz]

I'm looking in the tech section at the whole explorer/ranger article and it doesnt mention whether the 91-94 explorer axles are a direct drop in?

I'm wanting to go from the 86 code axle in my 96 ranger to the D4 code axle in a 94 explorer at the u-pull. basically going from a 3.73 open 7.5" to a 3.73" LS 8.8"

wanting to keep the drum brakes, no need for discs for this truck. I'm also hoping to take the leaf springs from the explorer as well as its a 4-pack vs my stock 3-pack which will help with keeping the bed level when I'm towing my boat.

can I just pop out the complete explorer rearend and pop it up under my ranger? e-brake cables and brake lines will mate up or do I need this stuff from the explorer? will the ranger shocks work with the explorer rearend?

I would just grab an axle from one of the 4x4 rangers at the u-pull but they all have open rearends

 

[fastpakr]

I think you'll still need to move the spring perches from below to above the axle tube.

 

[stackz]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/explorer_8-8_swap_no_welding.shtml

I think this article answers all my questions. my truck's bed sticks up a little higher than I would like it anyway so this will probably help level it out some for me.

 

[cbr600rx7]

Using the explorer springs in a under axle configuration will drop your rear 3-4 inches. Yes every thing is basicly bolt in if you don't flip the spring mounts and use the explorer under axle springs. As for the brakes just run the disk brake set up you literally only need to hook it up and it will work. Way less work then converting it back over to drums.

Caution: the explorer rear is a little wider then the factory ranger rear end.