Explorer/Ranger rear end swap?

[Thirdcharm]

I have a 2000 Ranger which originally had the larger rear end and bearings. Mechanic changed rear end to the smaller regular Ranger rear end. Apparently we can order a remanned explorer rear end which has the larger rear end and bearings.... Will that fit?

Jennifer

 

[adsm08]

There are some important differences. Search and you will find.

 

[Thirdcharm]

So if we flip the spring perches it will fit? or is there more? Search is not real helpful.

Jennifer

 

[stmitch]

Spring perches, and shock mounts are the big differences. The Explorer rear is a bit wider than the Ranger axle too, but that's not usually a big deal on stock height or lifted trucks.

Many Explorer rear axles came with disc brakes and/or limited slip carriers (both are considered upgrades over stock Ranger stuff) which are differences too.

 

[BLOODBANE]

The Explorer came with 31 spline axles. The Rangers only had the 27 or 28 spline (cant remember which one). They put the heavier axles in the Explorer's because of the extra weight. That would be the main difference in the 2 axles. Of course you would have the "larger" bearings. The Ranger axle will hold up, unless your running over a 35" tire (I run 35's on my 347 powered Ranger and have never had an issue, true its a Explorer 8.8, but I also have considerable more power than the stock engine, even a 4.0).

 

[straycat]

I have a 2000 Ranger which originally had the larger rear end and bearings. Mechanic changed rear end to the smaller regular Ranger rear end. Apparently we can order a remanned explorer rear end which has the larger rear end and bearings.... Will that fit?

Jennifer

You did not state what motor your truck has. If you have a 4 banger or a 3.0 you have a smaller rear-end. The 7.5 rear came on these motors. The 4.0 came with the larger rear.

 

[scotts90ranger]

That and the Ranger 8.8 and 7.5 are very comparable in strength other than ring gear...

What's the concern? Unless you are hauling a lot of weight all the time the stock axle isn't much of an issue, and I imagine paying a mechanic to do this axle swap isn't the cheapest thing in the world, what are you doing to have rear end issues come up?

 

[JoshT]

I have a 2000 Ranger which originally had the larger rear end and bearings. Mechanic changed rear end to the smaller regular Ranger rear end.

The only Rangers with the "larger rear end and bearings" were the 2002 FX4 and the 2003+ FX4 LII. Your 2002 would have come with a standard 7.5" or 8.8" rear end, which are basically the same except for the ring gear.

I don't see why your mechanic would have changed it out to a smaller rear end.