Need a lesson in Lockers for my 86 B2

[jkufen]

So is there an agreement here that if I want to run 33 inch tires that I will have to upgrade my front and rear to the dana 35 ( I think it is ) that comes in the explorers?

 

[4.0B2]

An Aussie will probably be more than he ever needs. Remember he's not building on 37's and rock bouncing it.
I chose an Aussie bc of price and their reliability speaks. Many people with rigs beat on a lot more than mine ever will be have them with zero issues. A lunchbox locker ain't bad on a DD either. I don't even notice mine.


Once again, I've never said the Detroit wasn't worth the difference; just for some people the cheaper Aussie works perfectly and saves you money for that Warn winch you want.

 

[4.0B2]

So is there an agreement here that if I want to run 33 inch tires that I will have to upgrade my front and rear to the dana 35 ( I think it is ) that comes in the explorers?

Have to? Maybe not....
Is it the better option, YES.
If you regear or get a locker, do it right with the stronger diff. Don't waste money on the d28

 

[jkufen]

Ok sounds good all this is going to be a Christmas break project while I am out of college for that month so hopefully I can get $500- 600 together by then because on craigslist there are a few 92-95 explorers that are 4x4 going for cheap. Heck one of them has a 302 in it that would be a big upgrade from my 2.9!

 

[4.0B2]

Be careful with that 302 explorer.... Unless it's been swapped in after factory; it won't have the front axle you want.

95 explorers have true IFS not TTB

 

[scooter]

I had a mini spool in my rear on 37's and was no rock bouncer and broke a pin in the mini,twice,,,,,,,,, and finally broke the carrier. Bought a full spool (replaces the whole carrier) no more trouble.

IMHO replace the whole carrier if you can afford it. If not by all means run a locker, the BEST one you can afford.
ANY locker is better than a open diff.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[brinker88]

I had a mini spool in my rear on 37's and was no rock bouncer and broke a pin in the mini,twice,,,,,,,,, and finally broke the carrier. Bought a full spool (replaces the whole carrier) no more trouble.

IMHO replace the whole carrier if you can afford it. If not by all means run a locker, the BEST one you can afford.
ANY locker is better than a open diff.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

A mini spool is a FAR cry from a lunchbox locker, IMO. Now, granted, they both replace just the spider gears, BUT, the locker can unlock/lock when needed. I totally agree with you on replacing the complete carrier tho (IF you can spare the extra coin)

 

[Flip4Ford]

I run a dana 35 and an 8.8 on my 94 explorer. I have done allot of hard trails in CO, SD, OK, AR, KS- I drive mine there and drive it back. If you are going with 33's you should regear to 4:56 ratio. I run detroit Power trax front and rear. Fairly easy to install and hold up well. And they are cheaper. My broncoII had the same set up. It was around $1000 for the total set up. (gears and lockers)

A spool or mini spool is the fine for offroad but isn't so great for highway use. A buddy of mine ran a spool in the rear of his BII had little problems but not many. BUT he towed it to the trails.

Upgrading to a Dana 35 front is pretty easy. The 8.8 rear is ridiculously easy. I would probably start with some type of rear locker and see how you like it-- then go from there.

 

[jkufen]

that is my plan what I am thinking about doing is I am going to run my 30 inch big horns with the b2 at factory height and i am going to take it to the off road park. Then Ill try it again with the new axles and 33's. Then Ill probably add a rear locker and go again and then add the front locker and go again. I know it sounds like a lot but I figure itll take me a few months in between each modification and the park is only 2 hours away. Plus I will most likely trailer mine back and forth just in case something breaks. Then I will have a better understanding of how much improvement each modification did.

 

[jkufen]

Also another question is there a specific year range of explorers I need to use to make my axle and engine swap easier?

 

[brinker88]

92-94 are ideal for the D35 TTB and 4.0L OHV drivetrain. You might even get lucky and find a 5 speed explorer (which is rare)

 

[jkufen]

Yeah id love to keep my 5 speed

 

[jkufen]

Now i just spent $350 redoing my b2's rotors bearings calipers brakes and brake lines... will that stuff transfer over or no?

 

[4.0B2]

Now i just spent $350 redoing my b2's rotors bearings calipers brakes and brake lines... will that stuff transfer over or no?

front calipers will.
bearings, no.
rotors, don't think so...
brake lines should since calipers will...

 

[88_Eddie]

the rotors wont transfer either. bearings are smaller on a d28.

i'd run the D28 till that stuff wears out or you blow it up