Explorer axle swap issue

[scottg]

I have a 95 3.0 ex cab 2wd

Front is lowered 4 inches and the rear is a 99 explorer axle with explorer leafs


I cut off the 2piece cross-member and wanted to use my 1pc aluminum 2wd shaft from my sport trac. I can't get the drive-shaft bolted up AND get the leafs in-place, I am MAYBE 1/2 inch too long. Does anyone have a measurement of the stock 1pc that would work? Or is it because of the lowering that it doesn't fit right?

I could probably pay to have this one shorten 1/2 inch or so, but it would be cheaper if a Junkyard stock shaft would fit.


Any help would be great


Thanks!

Scottg

 

[scotts90ranger]

redrill the centering hole in the leaf spring pads (you don't have to modify the spring plates to move the axle back a little, but I'd look to see if the tires are a little forward in the wheel wells first. I had the same issue but when going the other way, I added add a leaves to my explorer pack and got another ~3" lift and it pushed the axle forward, so I just moved it back with new holes (which was easier since I noticed it before welding the pads on)