Need some advice regarding first gen front and rear suspension.

[sgtsandman]

Any ideas about the rear? I put a 9 inch in the Falcon and Mustang, but I know there is lots of talk about an 8.8 out of an explorer. Not sure why, but I could go with one for the right reasons.
And I think a coilover would be a great addition over leaf springs. Any help?

The advantage an 8.8” from an Explorer offers is heavier, 31 spline axle shafts and rear disc brakes.

Only the 2010 and 2011 Ranger axles had rear discs but still have the 28 spline axle. The outer bearings are bigger and have larger axle tubes.

The hard to find FX4 Ranger axles have 31 spline axle shafts and the larger tubes but have drum brakes.

The popularity of the Explorer axle is that they offer both and are a lot easier to find. Plus, with the very limited run on the 2010-2011 axles, there isn’t as much out there for them.

Some have also done a rear disc brake conversion on a regular Ranger axle with Mustang brakes and something else.

It depends on what you are shooting for.

The down side of the Explorer axle is that if you want to stay spring over axle, the spring perches need to moved from the bottom of the axle to the top and shock mounts will need to be added since Explorers use the spring mounting plate to attach the shocks to the axle. The anti-sway bar mount is different as well.

 

[rubydist]

The Crown Vic front suspension will be too wide for the Ranger unless you narrow it, which is a lot of work. The Mustang II is a better choice imho. The 9" from the medium size Ford cars should be the right width for the Ranger.

 

[JoshT]

To add to what @sgtsandman said, another reason for the Explorer axle is that a lot of them can be found with factory limited slip. It seems like a lot more Explorers came with the LS than Rangers.

The Crown Vic front suspension will be too wide for the Ranger unless you narrow it, which is a lot of work. The Mustang II is a better choice imho. The 9" from the medium size Ford cars should be the right width for the Ranger.

Agreed on the crown vic suspension. That's a common swap on the older fullsize trucks like the 60s and 70s F-series and it's about a perfect fit for them.

What are you considering mid-size car? Even most of the car 9" axles would be a little on the wide size for a first gen Ranger. The stock 7.5" is only around 56.5" wide. The later Ranger steps it up to 58.5" wide and seems to still fits ok in the first gens, but most of those swaps I know about were on 4x4s where the wheel and tire fitment isn't as critical. The Explorer is a shade over 59.5" wide, and fits best in first gens when used with car spec wheel offsets (IE: 2000s+ Mustang, CV)

Assuming that OP wants to run similar wheel and tire package to what he currently has, he needs to stay pretty close to that 56.5" mark. Quick search puts closest 9" to that as the 64-65 Mustang at about an inch wider. It quickly gets wider from there, with most being closer to the Explorer axle or wider. IMO for the amount of work to install modify a car axle for install in a Ranger, the Explorer axle would be an easier conversion and still plenty strong enough for what he's running.

From what I recall most of the car 9" axles, in stock form, weren't really any stronger than an Explorer 8.8" would be. IIRC most were 28 spline just like the 7.5" and Ranger/Mustang 8.8". They also had a larger heavier ring gear, which takes more power to turn (AKA less effecient), and had smaller drum brakes than the Ranger axles. No doubt that the right 9" in stock form could be stronger, but you'd probably be looking at a truck unit to find that. For sure they can also be built stronger with a lot more aftermarket. For a stock 9" that is going to fit under a Ranger, I think the 8.8" is just as strong.

Taking width into account, probably the best solution if he wants rear disk brakes would be to get a Ranger 8.8" axle and do a Mustang disc swap. Even the 28 spline 8.8 is going to be strong enough to handle the power he's putting down. Hell most of the mustangs came from the factory with a 28 spline and were putting down a lot of power before a stronger axle was needed. IMO the reason we consider 28 splines weak in Rangers is due to running big, heavy, offroad tires, something that the OP isn't going to be doing in this truck.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

To add to what @sgtsandman said, another reason for the Explorer axle is that a lot of them can be found with factory limited slip. It seems like a lot more Explorers came with the LS than Rangers.


Agreed on the crown vic suspension. That's a common swap on the older fullsize trucks like the 60s and 70s F-series and it's about a perfect fit for them.

What are you considering mid-size car? Even most of the car 9" axles would be a little on the wide size for a first gen Ranger. The stock 7.5" is only around 56.5" wide. The later Ranger steps it up to 58.5" wide and seems to still fits ok in the first gens, but most of those swaps I know about were on 4x4s where the wheel and tire fitment isn't as critical. The Explorer is a shade over 59.5" wide, and fits best in first gens when used with car spec wheel offsets (IE: 2000s+ Mustang, CV)

Assuming that OP wants to run similar wheel and tire package to what he currently has, he needs to stay pretty close to that 56.5" mark. Quick search puts closest 9" to that as the 64-65 Mustang at about an inch wider. It quickly gets wider from there, with most being closer to the Explorer axle or wider. IMO for the amount of work to install modify a car axle for install in a Ranger, the Explorer axle would be an easier conversion and still plenty strong enough for what he's running.

From what I recall most of the car 9" axles, in stock form, weren't really any stronger than an Explorer 8.8" would be. IIRC most were 28 spline just like the 7.5" and Ranger/Mustang 8.8". They also had a larger heavier ring gear, which takes more power to turn (AKA less effecient), and had smaller drum brakes than the Ranger axles. No doubt that the right 9" in stock form could be stronger, but you'd probably be looking at a truck unit to find that. For sure they can also be built stronger with a lot more aftermarket. For a stock 9" that is going to fit under a Ranger, I think the 8.8" is just as strong.

Taking width into account, probably the best solution if he wants rear disk brakes would be to get a Ranger 8.8" axle and do a Mustang disc swap. Even the 28 spline 8.8 is going to be strong enough to handle the power he's putting down. Hell most of the mustangs came from the factory with a 28 spline and were putting down a lot of power before a stronger axle was needed. IMO the reason we consider 28 splines weak in Rangers is due to running big, heavy, offroad tires, something that the OP isn't going to be doing in this truck.

The herd is thinning but Explorer axles are still pretty easy to find. Disk brakes every parts store can get. Parking brake can be a little funky to get hooked up but is very workable. I do recommend staying with the Explorer rear sway bar, I cut the brackets off of mine eons ago so I had to fabricate the mounts to get a Ranger sway bar to mount to a 31 spline 8.8.

Honestly I snagged mine for $100 15 years ago mainly for the limited slip, of late the extra width/stability and weight carrying abilities have really been nice too.

If someone bumbles into this down the road the Explorer 8.8 IMO looks fine with regular Ranger offset wheels in a 4wd setting. If you do a D35 swap both axles will be the same width.

 

[ndmp40]

The advantage an 8.8” from an Explorer offers is heavier, 31 spline axle shafts and rear disc brakes.

Only the 2010 and 2011 Ranger axles had rear discs but still have the 28 spline axle. The outer bearings are bigger and have larger axle tubes.

The hard to find FX4 Ranger axles have 31 spline axle shafts and the larger tubes but have drum brakes.

The popularity of the Explorer axle is that they offer both and are a lot easier to find. Plus, with the very limited run on the 2010-2011 axles, there isn’t as much out there for them.

Some have also done a rear disc brake conversion on a regular Ranger axle with Mustang brakes and something else.

It depends on what you are shooting for.

The down side of the Explorer axle is that if you want to stay spring over axle, the spring perches need to moved from the bottom of the axle to the top and shock mounts will need to be added since Explorers use the spring mounting plate to attach the shocks to the axle. The anti-sway bar mount is different as well.

Ok thanks this is great. Is there a year range for the Explorer rear that gets you the disk brakes, or are all of them this way?

 

[ndmp40]

The Crown Vic front suspension will be too wide for the Ranger unless you narrow it, which is a lot of work. The Mustang II is a better choice imho. The 9" from the medium size Ford cars should be the right width for the Ranger.

Yes I just inquired to a company that supplies the CV conversions and they told me its a no-go for a ranger. Would have been a great option.
I used a 9" on both the Falcon and the Mustang above, had to narrow the Falcon rear as I started with a new part with cut to fit tubes.

 

[ndmp40]

To add to what @sgtsandman said, another reason for the Explorer axle is that a lot of them can be found with factory limited slip. It seems like a lot more Explorers came with the LS than Rangers.


Agreed on the crown vic suspension. That's a common swap on the older fullsize trucks like the 60s and 70s F-series and it's about a perfect fit for them.

What are you considering mid-size car? Even most of the car 9" axles would be a little on the wide size for a first gen Ranger. The stock 7.5" is only around 56.5" wide. The later Ranger steps it up to 58.5" wide and seems to still fits ok in the first gens, but most of those swaps I know about were on 4x4s where the wheel and tire fitment isn't as critical. The Explorer is a shade over 59.5" wide, and fits best in first gens when used with car spec wheel offsets (IE: 2000s+ Mustang, CV)

Assuming that OP wants to run similar wheel and tire package to what he currently has, he needs to stay pretty close to that 56.5" mark. Quick search puts closest 9" to that as the 64-65 Mustang at about an inch wider. It quickly gets wider from there, with most being closer to the Explorer axle or wider. IMO for the amount of work to install modify a car axle for install in a Ranger, the Explorer axle would be an easier conversion and still plenty strong enough for what he's running.

From what I recall most of the car 9" axles, in stock form, weren't really any stronger than an Explorer 8.8" would be. IIRC most were 28 spline just like the 7.5" and Ranger/Mustang 8.8". They also had a larger heavier ring gear, which takes more power to turn (AKA less effecient), and had smaller drum brakes than the Ranger axles. No doubt that the right 9" in stock form could be stronger, but you'd probably be looking at a truck unit to find that. For sure they can also be built stronger with a lot more aftermarket. For a stock 9" that is going to fit under a Ranger, I think the 8.8" is just as strong.

Taking width into account, probably the best solution if he wants rear disk brakes would be to get a Ranger 8.8" axle and do a Mustang disc swap. Even the 28 spline 8.8 is going to be strong enough to handle the power he's putting down. Hell most of the mustangs came from the factory with a 28 spline and were putting down a lot of power before a stronger axle was needed. IMO the reason we consider 28 splines weak in Rangers is due to running big, heavy, offroad tires, something that the OP isn't going to be doing in this truck.

You are right on the 8.8 as far as strength. They survive in drag race cars with good parts in them, and are lighter too, plenty strong enough for what i am doing.

 

[ndmp40]

The herd is thinning but Explorer axles are still pretty easy to find. Disk brakes every parts store can get. Parking brake can be a little funky to get hooked up but is very workable. I do recommend staying with the Explorer rear sway bar, I cut the brackets off of mine eons ago so I had to fabricate the mounts to get a Ranger sway bar to mount to a 31 spline 8.8.

Honestly I snagged mine for $100 15 years ago mainly for the limited slip, of late the extra width/stability and weight carrying abilities have really been nice too.

If someone bumbles into this down the road the Explorer 8.8 IMO looks fine with regular Ranger offset wheels in a 4wd setting. If you do a D35 swap both axles will be the same width.

What is a D35 swap? Thanks for the help.

 

[JoshT]

If someone bumbles into this down the road the Explorer 8.8 IMO looks fine with regular Ranger offset wheels in a 4wd setting. If you do a D35 swap both axles will be the same width.

Yes, I should have clarified that I was talking about 2wds. Didn't even think about that since this is the 2wd suspension section, and that's what ndmp40 has.

What is a D35 swap? Thanks for the help.

That's for 4x4 trucks. The TTB (twin traction beam) Rangers came with either a Dana 28 or 35 front axle. IIRC it depends on the year, but I could be wrong about that.

Ok thanks this is great. Is there a year range for the Explorer rear that gets you the disk brakes, or are all of them this way?

1995-2003, or when ever they went to IRS. Sport Trac too.

 

[rubydist]

iirc, the Explorer got independent rear suspension with the 2002 redesign, so the solid axles we are interested in would be 1995 - 2001 range.

 

[JoshT]

iirc, the Explorer got independent rear suspension with the 2002 redesign, so the solid axles we are interested in would be 1995 - 2001 range.

Explorers did. I think Explorer Sport and Sport Trac kept the solid axle longer, same axle.

 

[sgtsandman]

Ok thanks this is great. Is there a year range for the Explorer rear that gets you the disk brakes, or are all of them this way?

I want to say they got disc brakes in ‘97 but since I hate rear disc brakes and my Rangers already have them, I never looked into it that hard.

The axle setup on the 2010-2011 is different enough that I haven’t looked into a swap to a drum equipped axle. The 2019, all the M220 axles are disc equipped. So, I’m stuck dealing with what I have.

 

[stmitch]

The Explorer axles are a nice, easy, inexpensive upgrade for newer trucks. But they're over 3" wider than the stock rear in the Gen1&2 Rangers, so be prepared to narrow them if you want to use one in a squarebody Ranger.
Tech library has a good page on the various 8.8's:

Ford 8.8-Inch Rear Axle History & Specs - The Ranger Station

Usage: The Ford 8.8-Inch axle came in a few different vehicles including the: Ford Mustang (1986-2014) Ford Bronco (1983-1996) Ford F-150 (1983-2012) Ford Ranger (1990-2011 4.0L models) Ford Aerostar (1989-1997) Ford Explorer (1991-2001) (The Ford Explorer Sport still used the … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

As for ride/handling I'd consider three paths:
1) Simple/easy off the shelf. Newer DJM Dream Beams (so you can upgrade to two piston calipers and different sway bar). This would be faster to complete, less expensive, and might be "good enough" ride/handling for your needs. Junk yards and local auto parts stores would have most of the components other than drop beams.

2) Moderate approach where you use Dream Beams with custom coilover setup. Nobody markets coilovers for lowered Rangers, but there are only a handful of lengths/diameters of coilover shocks that are made. All of the vehicle specific marketing is about mounting them into the vehicle and optimizing spring rate for the vehicle. So if you're willing to do a bit of research and don't care about an "off the shelf" option, you might be able to use an appropriate length coilover shock/spring in a Ranger. For example some people have used coilovers intended for S10s on newer Rangers without an issue.

3) More money and work for more performance potential. AJE Foxbody crossmember. Takes weight off the front of the truck improving front/rear balance. Gets you rack/pinion steering. Opens up tons of aftermarket for ride/handling/brakes. It's going to be a ton more money and effort, but has some benefits that you won't get anywhere else either.

 

[ndmp40]

The Explorer axles are a nice, easy, inexpensive upgrade for newer trucks. But they're over 3" wider than the stock rear in the Gen1&2 Rangers, so be prepared to narrow them if you want to use one in a squarebody Ranger.
Tech library has a good page on the various 8.8's:

Ford 8.8-Inch Rear Axle History & Specs - The Ranger Station

Usage: The Ford 8.8-Inch axle came in a few different vehicles including the: Ford Mustang (1986-2014) Ford Bronco (1983-1996) Ford F-150 (1983-2012) Ford Ranger (1990-2011 4.0L models) Ford Aerostar (1989-1997) Ford Explorer (1991-2001) (The Ford Explorer Sport still used the … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

As for ride/handling I'd consider three paths:
1) Simple/easy off the shelf. Newer DJM Dream Beams (so you can upgrade to two piston calipers and different sway bar). This would be faster to complete, less expensive, and might be "good enough" ride/handling for your needs. Junk yards and local auto parts stores would have most of the components other than drop beams.

2) Moderate approach where you use Dream Beams with custom coilover setup. Nobody markets coilovers for lowered Rangers, but there are only a handful of lengths/diameters of coilover shocks that are made. All of the vehicle specific marketing is about mounting them into the vehicle and optimizing spring rate for the vehicle. So if you're willing to do a bit of research and don't care about an "off the shelf" option, you might be able to use an appropriate length coilover shock/spring in a Ranger. For example some people have used coilovers intended for S10s on newer Rangers without an issue.

3) More money and work for more performance potential. AJE Foxbody crossmember. Takes weight off the front of the truck improving front/rear balance. Gets you rack/pinion steering. Opens up tons of aftermarket for ride/handling/brakes. It's going to be a ton more money and effort, but has some benefits that you won't get anywhere else either.

Awesome help!
I like all three.
1. As I read above I would need the second gen spindles, correct? Is this a junk yard item only?
2. A coilover with beams sounds real good too. I would have to fabricate an upper mount I think, and perhaps modify for a lower mount too. Any pictures of this on this site?
3. AJE appears to give me a fox spindle and brakes, and this gives me lots of options to adjust ride, height, etc. Do you lose the inner fenderwell sheet metal?

 

[19Walt93]

I used an 8 inch Mustang II rear in my truck, because I had a housing, new Yukon limited slip, and center section. I bought 2 custom 5 lug axles from Currie and a couple of 65-66 spring pads from them as well and welded them on. The 10 inch Ranger backing plates bolted right on. Other than the axles, pads, and a bearing kit, I built the whole thing out of parts I already owned. Rather than deal with a wider Explorer housing, if you've got a good rear end, why not just weld a set of spring pads on the bottom of your axle and bolt it to the top of the springs?