Save me some work!

[jtaborsky]

Hey all!

I have a 1987 Bronco II with a 2.9, 5 speed and pretty new clutch. The rear is a disc-brake 8.8 with 4.10's. The front is currently a 3.45 d28, but am in the process of putting 4.10's in a d35 so I can have 4wd again. 4" RC lift and 32" tires. I know that I won't be satisfied until I have a 4 liter, but I also want the 4.10 gears.

Here're my questions: To make my vehicle what I want it to be with my Bronco, I need to have the front axle replaced with the regeared 4.10 and swap engines. If I find a 1991-1994 Explorer/Ranger, I need to swap rear axle and reinstall the front lift and front axle.
Suggestions? Which would be more work? I can turn a wrench, but I have to rely on others for welding, and I would prefer to do as much work as I can by myself.

I think what will push me one way or another is whether or not the rear leaf perches are the same width on a Bronco II as on an Explorer or Ranger, to make the disc 4.10 rear I am currently running a bolt in swap to an Explorer or Ranger.

Let me know what you think! All opinions are appreciated.

Thanks.
- Joe

 

[adsm08]

No, the perches are not the same between any of the listed vehicles. The Ranger and BII are both spring over axle configurations, while the Explorer is a spring under. The BII also has a slightly wider perch width than the other two.

 

[jtaborsky]

No, the perches are not the same between any of the listed vehicles. The Ranger and BII are both spring over axle configurations, while the Explorer is a spring under. The BII also has a slightly wider perch width than the other two.

I realize that the Ex is sprung over while the Bronco II is sprung under. But is the width the same? Will this be the same as flipping the centering bolts on the existing Ex springs?

Thanks.
- Joe

 

[trail B2]

You are going to have to line out the width on the new rear end.Maybe if you buy they new perches grind off the old ones and figure the width have someone weld it together.When I was young I took a welding class at the local college if your interested you could look into that.

I ran 4.10's 33's and a 4.0 on my Bronco for years they work well together.