shocks for explorer 8.8 and leaf swap

[nooberiffic]

Im swapping an 1993 explorer 8.8 and leaf springs into my 1990 supercab ranger and want to replace my stock shock absorbers are the same time. Will standard aftermarket shocks meant for my vehicle fit, or will I need ones meant for a 1-1.5 lift or 2 inch lift, or even stock ones for the explorer?

For example, I was looking at James Duff shocks and the only part number I could find was 8108, and for skyjacker H7058 (0-1) and H7060.(1.5-4.5)

 

[nooberiffic]

nothing? nobody on trs know this?

 

[JFA_Spyderman]

Yo,
Since you will be swaping in explorer leafs too, then you are going to need shocks with some additional length to them. The best way is to do the swap, then measure the distance at stuff and droop to see what shocks will fit best and then order accordingly.

Other things like the rear sway bar and maybe even brake lines and bump stops can also play a factor in choosing the right shocks.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Length depends on what shock mounts you are going with. If you keep the stock style mounts that hang below the axle, then you will need longer shocks. A common thing to do for more ground clearance is to have the shock mounts come out with the pivot right in front of and behind the axle tube... which should come out to about where the stock mounts were relative to the upper shock mount. All of this depends on how whooped your Explorer spings are too. You will get some lift from the larger axle tube, but only maybe an inch or a shy two with the Explorer springs.

 

[nooberiffic]

Thanks. I plan on (trying) to put the shock mounts factory. I ordered the 8.8 swap kit from rough country.

 

[nooberiffic]

update

Okay, im almost done with the 8.8 swap, and its time to start figuring out what I need for the D35.

I figure that to keep the original stance (rear slightly higher than front, as I carry stuff) after swapping in the 8.8, exploder leafs and corresponding shocks I will need to raise the front either 2 or 3 inches.
Will skyjacker leveling coils accomplish this or will I need those coil spring spacers in addition? Will I need to replace anything else? Also, If I have skyjacker "hydro" shocks in the rear, does it matter if I put "nitros" in the front?

 

[nooberiffic]

?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

How much lift did you get from the springs and axle swap?

I have been pondering leveling coils for the front after I get my 8.8/Ex springs in the rear, but I am waiting to see how much if any lift I get out of it before I order anything.

 

[nooberiffic]

I just finished painting the axle today. Ill probably put it in tomorrow or the day after. You would have to get at least 3/4" life because of the axle housing size diff. right?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The axle tube is a quarter an inch bigger in diameter, so the axle tube itself should get you about 1/8".

I have heard the Explorer springs are good for 0"-2" of lift over stock, and depending on the lifestyle of the donar I suppose that is plausable. And a truck like mine that sits just below level with the stock springs would technically get more lift than a babied one that still has its factory rake, they would end up at the same place but mine has farther to go to get there.

 

[nooberiffic]

random question about a 28 to D35 swap. If I install 2" lift coils and the 1" spacer will I have to do anything else to keep alignment (besides getting aligned). someone said something about an aftermarket caster/camber nut that replaces the stock one?

 

[nooberiffic]

no-one? also, do I need anything else from the donor vehicle besides the two D35 pieces?

 

[nooberiffic]

bumperoo