Got an explorer axle, got a few questions.

[PlumCrazy]

Don't reuse the U bolts. They tend to snap when reused. Brand new are cheap at a spring shop.

Ditch the sway bar completely

Use a passenger caliper hose on both sides, then you can keep the center drop line from the Ranger.

 

[PlumCrazy]

I don't think you did anything wrong other than a poor job of measuring and tacking (assuming an axle tube didn't turn). Since the springs can be worn, it isn't clear to me why tacking it under the vehicle is the right way at all.

Agree 100%. Tacking under vehicle is wrong. I normally tack on under the truck, then clock the other to match it and weld according.

 

[cp2295]

I don't think you did anything wrong other than a poor job of measuring and tacking (assuming an axle tube didn't turn). Since the springs can be worn, it isn't clear to me why tacking it under the vehicle is the right way at all.

Tacked it on the bench, but we had I cut the perches off and reuse them because we put them on the wrong side of the 0 degree point. Dumb mistake

 

[cp2295]

Don't reuse the U bolts. They tend to snap when reused. Brand new are cheap at a spring shop.

Ditch the sway bar completely

Use a passenger caliper hose on both sides, then you can keep the center drop line from the Ranger.

Exactly what i did, I also got shorter steel lines so the rubber hose wouldn't rub on the tires. Where can I find a spring shop, in portland? Never heard of that haha I just got the bolts of an f150. Bigger than the expo bolts anyways.

Also to anyone doing this use the f150 plates, they aren't wide enough (I guess ranger leafs are wider). But use the f150 bolts since the expos are long enough (or buy new ones).

 

[cp2295]

You just have to cut the shock mount off the expo plate since it hits the frame and bottoms you out pretty quickly if you don't.

And nevermind about the spring shop, quick google search showed like 5. Never even knew there were shops like that, $15 a bolt at oreillys gotta call the shop tomorrow and see their prices. Will the reused bolts snap right away will torquing them on or after a while?

 

[adsm08]

IIRC I was able to get new plates, nuts and bolts for an FX4 LvlII for about $20, OEM Ford at the dealer.

 

[PlumCrazy]

I have had them snap taking them off the original truck and trying torqueing them back on...which is enough for me to not trust them even if they dot break when reinstalling.

I had 4 5/8 long U bolts made at my local shop for $8 a piece. Its pretty cheap insurance IMO. The 150 spring plates will work if you find the right year range.

 

[cp2295]

I called and it's $27 per bolt at ford for fx4 level 2, to get them made with nuts and washers it's $13 each at the spring shop. I'm very low on money after this so I gotta wait until I make some more but I'm definitely gonna get some new bolts. The f150 are just getting me by, it was only $12 for all 4 at the jy

 

[4x4junkie]

Here's a thread from not too long ago about U-bolts:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147239

If they're in good shape, they should be fine to reuse.

 

[Rangerslpr]

I have the same question about the e brake cable. What do you use to make it fit?