sn 95 mustang axle swap

[nesralyrrej]

so what about taking the leaf springs from the explorer as well? wouldn't it just need shock mounts welded then? i havent checked ant fitment yet though

 

[RangerSVT]

The explorer leafs are better than the rangers, and is a common popular swap...

SVT

 

[stmitch]

Is this truck going to be lowered? Lifted? Stock height?
If it's going to be lowered, or kept at stock height, I'd keep the Ranger leafs. If you're planning a lift, then the Explorer leafs will be a nice choice.


As for shock mounts, you can weld on new ones, or just use 2 passenger side Explorer shock mounts with the Explorer axle and avoid the welding completely.

 

[AgPete139]

I'm just another person that is telling you that the Explorer axle is stronger, easier, less hassle to find parts, and faster.

I had a Fox and I did the Explorer 8.8" 31-spline disc swap on my Ranger, too. You're asking for heachaches when you try and mix & match that many parts to try and cram under a Ranger. Explorers had 5.0L in them, too, just like the SN95 5.0's in 1995. They were also heavier SUV's had to tow things and hold more passengers, as opposed to Mustangs. Thus, a stronger axle.

Those guys up top know what they are talking about.

 

[AgPete139]

I also did the Explorer leaf spring swap. I still can't decide if I like the Explorer leaves or the Skyjacker leaves better.

You can keep the axle SUA, or convert to SOA. Easy either way. Offroad or street.

 

[nesralyrrej]

well my ranger is lowered, (previous owner) if it was 4wd id lift it as big as my bronco but seeing as its not, i plan to make it a monster sleeper so, couldnt i get an expo axler and leafs and make spring over and keep the back as low?

 

[nesralyrrej]

that low

 

[AgPete139]

yes, it will stay as low. you could also keep it sua and get a belltech shackle to raise it 1.5" to close to stock. less axle wrap.

 

[nesralyrrej]

right now its still axle under spring

 

[stmitch]

So, how low is it in the rear? Do you know how the back is lowered? If it's still spring over axle, then they probably used drop leafs, or just did a shackle flip.

Like I said, the Explorer axle is noticeably wider than the stock Ranger axle in the squarebody rangers, something like 1.5 inches per side if my memory is right, so you can't run as wide of a rear tire as you otherwise would be able to. If you're planning big power, that may be something to consider, since Rangers struggle with traction as it is.

 

[nesralyrrej]

its not as low as yours but its low,

 

[nesralyrrej]

Could I cut the mounts off of my axle with a oxy acetylene torch or would that warp it? (As typing this is seems like a terrible idea)

 

[stmitch]

Why do you want to cut mounts off of the axle? Which axle is it, stock Ranger, Mustang, Explorer?

 

[nesralyrrej]

I bought a explorer axle and the sway bar mounts and axle pads need removed

 

[stmitch]

Why? The Expo axle is usually a bolt in affair. And, a rear sway bar is a nice upgrade anyway.