I got a few Questions.

[84Ranger]

I've got an 84 long bed that I'm planning on converting to 2wd. I know explorer springs fit and so does the rear axle, but everyone says to cut off and relocate the spring perchs on the axle. Couldn't I just put the axle in with the explorer springs and only have to make mounts for the shocks? I want to get a 95+ rear diff w/discs. For the front, would a 2wd suspension off a 95+ ranger or explorer bolt right up or what issues would I run into? I've heard that the 95 and up have the better front brakes. Oh and I know I'm gonna get a lot of crap for converting a 4wd to a 2wd but my mind is made up, I've already got the 351w and AOD tranny awaiting a rebuild and started on the chassis so there is no changing my mind so don't even start. I just want to clarify a few things before I go to U-pull it and tear off the wrong stuff. To me it seems like a simple swap but I've never done it, some of you have so please inform me. If I'm wrong then I'll just grab an 8.8 out of a ranger and ditto for the 2wd front suspension.

 

[4x4junkie]

Use 2WD Explorer or Bronco II beams (and 2WD bracket for the passengerside), Ranger beams will not fit.

The Explorer rear axle can bolt in, but only if you also want a 5" drop in the process.

 

[84Ranger]

Why won't ranger beams fit? And how big of a drop will I get in the front by converting to 2wd? When I park next to 2wd rangers it's a huge difference but I don't know exactly how much. Because a 5" drop from where it sits now would put me at where I thought it would be with the conversion. To go lower I know I would need drop beams for the front and blocks for the rear.

 

[4x4junkie]

2WD Ranger beams have different lengths, as well as different offsets at the knuckles (by about 2"). 2WD Rangers also use a radically different frame crossmember under the engine where the brackets attach.

The 2WD Ex or BII front beams will not change your front lift height. In order for the Ex rear axle to be the same, you must relocate the leafspring perches from below the axletubes, to on top (or you could use a flip-kit on it).

If you're looking to drop this thing, then you'll have your work cut out for you (you'd need to swap said crossmember for the Ranger one so you can then use dropped Ranger beams, as I don't believe there are dropped EX or BII beams available).
It'd probably be easier to just get a 2WD Ranger chassis if that's what you're after (sorry to be the bearer of bad news).

Welcome to the site though.

 

[84Ranger]

So to recap, for the front suspension when I go to the yard I need to find a 2wd Ex or BII and no rangers correct? And if I want he better brakes find one that is 96 and up.
Will there be any modifying for the Ex or BII beams to fit or will they just bolt in? For the rear I'm probably going to save myself some trouble and just get an 8.8 with the 10" brakes from a ranger. That will save me time and money. Even though I really wanted the disc brakes and the 31 spline diff but I don't think it should have any problem taking the power I'm planning. Plus maybe I'll get lucky and get a diff from an FX4 with the 31 spline. Also I saw something about the pinion flange on the 8.8 is a different style but my 7.5 has the same style but I'm not sure about the same bolt spacing.
Am I forgetting anything?

 

[4x4junkie]

The 8.8" pinion flange is bigger than the '90down 7.5", yes. If you're swapping in a V8, you'll probably want the bigger flange anyway.

You will need the 2WD EX/BII beams, and the pivot bracket that mounts the passengerside beam (the bracket for the driverside is the same, 2WD/4x4). You'll probably need the steering linkage too, but not sure (grab it just so you have it in case). I believe you'll also need the radius arms. It should all bolt right in once you have collected the right parts.

As for brakes, I'm not real sure on that one. The only I-beam trucks that the twin-piston caliper setup was ever used on were Rangers ('95-'97). I don't know if those Ranger knuckles will swap onto the EX beams or not.

 

[84Ranger]

Sweet, now is that bracket bolted or riveted on? Is there a cheap way (adapter or other driveshaft) to get the drive shaft to work with the 8.8 until I do the engine and trans swap? I want to do the suspension swap and finish the interior and exterior before I do the engine and transmission. Mainly because the engine and transmission are both awaiting a rebuild.

 

[84Ranger]

Now you say passenger beam pivot bracket. Thats on the driver side correct? I just had a huge brain fart.

 

[Ranger44]

Yeah it'll be the one towards the driver side attched to the passenger side beam.

 

[84Ranger]

Ok I have access to Ford's OASIS and it gives the same part number for the 1994 ranger and Ex I beams. Is that accurate? Are later 2wd ranger and Ex I beams the same?

 

[Ranger44]

hmmm...

In 95 explorers went to SLA suspension.

 

[4x4junkie]

Rangers sit 2" lower than an Ex or BII, and it's because of the offset in the beams (coil springs are the same in both). There's no way they could be the same part, so I couldn't tell you why it showed the same #.

FWIW, this is the bracket you'll need:

I believe that beam is also shorter than the one on a Ranger.

 

[84Ranger]

Thanks, you guys have been a HUGE help!

 

[Ranger44]

Yeah that's a difference.

Sure the "same" beams weren't the 4x4 versions?

Or maybe someone got lazy at ford and assumed they were both the same. lol