Mine is a 2000 Explorer with disc brakes, 3.73. I didn't get the springs, used CPP springs with mounts. They use the holes where the rivets were to mount and have a bar for the shock mounts that bolts into the frame just behind the axle. Haven't driven it yet, but looks nice.

 

Hey Matt,
I thought maybe a picture might help - Here is our Explorer 8.8
installed. Hope that helps a bit. (Topper your's is prettier)..

Ben in Austin

 

Thanks for the pics guys.. Ben I think I am going to get the springs with the axle so my set up will be like yours, I like the way you have the shocks mounted. I am still a little ways from the rear axle I have to set up that front IFS next I keep messing with everything else and just dont seem to be working on that. I did clean the frame and the rusted up parts of the cab up tonight so now the frame is cleaned in the front I will start working on the IFS... I cant decide if I am going to Weld it or just bolt it using the bushings? Anybodys opinion will be appreciated...... Here are some pics of the frame and cab cleaned. I know its not alot of progress but I feel like I want to post them since seeing it clean up makes me happy lol...

 

 

Hey Matt,
Your front end cleaned up real nice! It looks like
the previous owner boxed a good bit of the frame too.
I wish I could give you some thoughts on the Jaguar IFS you are going
with but we went with a Mustang II set up. I hear good things about the Jag front end.

The rear suspension replacement is pretty straight forward
compared to the IFS. You look like you have some work in front
of you on the cab. My floorboards were pretty similar to what you
are looking at but the back of your cab looks tough. You may have to get another donor for that piece.

Good luck over there - You are doing great. If it was me I'd do the rear
axle replacement first - just to claim a quick victory. It's nice to get an early win under your belt.

Ben in Austin

(There is another member on here called "Reamer" who sells
the cab corners & some other common patch panels for our years. His stuff fit much better than LMC).

 

Yeah I thought about doing the rear axle swap first but I jumped on the JAG IFS at the junk yard when I saw they had one. I got away with everything on the IFS for only $70.00 I got pretty lucky. I am feeling pretty good about everything with the truck right now it has been pretty steady working on it and I haven't had many set backs. So I figure might as well get the front set up and finished. I think my biggest issue is going to be the cab repair, it is pretty rusted, all over. But I am going to give it a shot and try to repair everything, that back panel is tricky I have seen others that have just welded in a straight piece of steel, you loose those three grooves in it but when the bed is back on you cant see them anyways so I think I am going to just weld in a flat panel.

 

Hey Matt,
That low spot on the back of the cab will never see daylight -
it's completely hidden by the bed - just work around it with the easiest
fix you can come up with - Good Plan. $70 for a jag front end sounds fantastic - get all the high pressure hoses - I hear they are pretty hard to
duplicate due to the fittings being an odd size.

I bought a No Limit Mustang II IFS - $3000 + labor help to get it welded in. I like your approach better. Your Jag front end will probably ride
smoother too! $70 - You are killing me over here Matt.

Ben in Austin

 

I really got lucky with the IFS. The yard just charged me for a engine cradle. I have to go back and get all the hoses and the steering knuckle for it. I couldn't get it off while I was there. I have even read about getting the brake booster? Im not sure though.

 

New pics, I unboxed the frame in the front so I can install the IFS. I have it sitting where it will go "roughly" so I see what it will look like.

 

Wow! Looking good. I didn't realize how perfect of a fit the Jag suspension is. Makes me want to go out and get one.