Question for '98+ who have done the Explorer axle swap

[4wd]

I just replaced my wrecked '94 with a '99 4.0L 4x4 RABS not 4WABS and I want to swap in an Explorer rear axle. I have a question for those with a 98+ ranger that have actually done the Explorer axle swap, if I match up with my current 3.73 front ratio will any 95+ year 3.73 Explorer work? I have read that the 98-00 Ranger speedometers run off the rear diff, do I have to stick with the 98+ for the speedomter to work? Or does the 98-00 speedometers just share the same rear ABS sensor output used on 95+ rear axles?

 

[4wd]

There must be someone who owns a '98-2000 that has swapped in an Explorer axle. I don't have the space to get stuck with an rear axle I can't use. I don't know if there is any difference in the abs/vss sensor or the tone ring on the diff.

 

[rangertoy]

when I swapped mine it plugged right up and worked fine

 

[4x4junkie]

Yes, the sensors are the same all the way back to '91.

 

[4wd]

Thanks for the replies. I've read everything I can about the swap and every bit of additional info will help.

rangertoy- Since you have a 1999, if you don't mind me asking what year Explorer rear did you put into your truck, was it 95-97 or 2001+? Any gotcha's I should look out for?

4x4junkie - Thanks for the info on the ABS sensor, that will be useful when matching things up.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

91-94 are all drum brake 31 spline 8.8's

95-2001 are disc brake (have seen a few with drums still) 31 spline 8.8's

You can also look for explorer sport trac's.

2002 and up are all independent rear suspension with an 8.8 center section and will not work in a ranger at all.

 

[Yellowsplash]

'01 and some '02 sport tracs are 31 spline drum axles.
'03-'05 sport tracs received 31 spline disk setup.
'06+ sport tracs are IRS, identical to 02+ 4-door models.

 

[77'cj7]

Ive got a 98, and swapped in a ex axle. Axle ended up bein a 98 also, plugged right in. Had to weld on new perches and shock mounts though.
Chris