Explorer Dana 35- TTB or IFS?

[akx.]

Someone posted up a 1996 Explorer on craigslist and I'm wondering: can I swap that into my 87 Ranger? What year did explorer Dana 35s switch to IFS? The Dana 28/35 page isn't exactly clear. It says the gears from the 97 and older gears will work with my ranger, but then it gives the "build of material" numbers and it says SLA IFS after the 96 explorers. So what's the deal? Thanks!

 

[4x4junkie]

'95 brought the switch to A-arm IFS on Explorers. For Rangers it was '98.

So no, the '96 Ex axle won't work on your '87.